Comprehensive Pharmacology of Anxiety Disorders: SSRIs, SNRIs, Benzodiazepines, Buspirone, Mechanisms of Action, Pharmacokinetics, Clinical Indications, Adverse Effects, Contraindications, and Evidence-Based Therapeutic Strategies Verified Questions Compl

Comprehensive Pharmacology of Anxiety
Disorders: SSRIs, SNRIs,
Benzodiazepines, Buspirone,
Mechanisms of Action,
Pharmacokinetics, Clinical Indications,
Adverse Effects, Contraindications, and
Evidence-Based Therapeutic Strategies
Verified Questions Complete with A+
Graded RATIONALES LATEST UPDATED
2026
Antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs)

first line pharmacological agents for Anxiety

-Alternative Antidepressants
-Benzodiazepines

second line pharmacological agents for Anxiety

Benzodiazepines (BZDs)

• Facilitates inhibitory actions of GABA-A
• Binds allosteric site on postsynaptic GABA-A receptor- chloride ion channels
• Receptor between α and γ subunits
• ↑'s frequency of chloride channel opening
• Counteracts excitatory neurotransmitters

Ceiling Effect

Describes how:

-BZDs only work in presence of GABA
• Can inhibit GABA release

Benzodiazepines


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, Indications:
-anxiety disorder (short term)
-Short term use in panic disorders
-Hyponosis, anesthesia
-Anticonvulsant
-Decrease muscle spasms
-EtOH Withdrawal

Diazepam and Clorazepate

What are some highly lipophilic BZDs that are rapidly absorbed and cross the BBB?

Hydrophilic

Several BZDs highly metabolized in liver into _______________ metabolites

Long

Chlordiazepoxide & diazepam → __________-acting active metabolites

Short

Alprazolam, midazolam, & triazolam → ________-acting active metabolites

-Lorazepam
-Oxazepam
-Temazepam

(LOT)

-BZDs with no active metabolites ("out the liver")
-Preferred in the elderly

Short-Acting Benzodiazepines

-Midazolam
-Triazolam

Intermediate-Acting Benzodiazepines

-Alprazolam
-Lorazepam
-Oxazepam

Long-Acting Benzodiazepines


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