Clinical Pharmacology:Pediatric, Psychiatric, Pharmacology,
Immunology, Growth-Development, Nutrition, Family Systems, CNS,
Anxiolytics, Hypnotics, Antidepressants, SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, MAOIs,
Antipsychotics, EPS, Bipolar Management, Lithium, CNS Stimulants,
Salicylates, NSAIDs, DMARDs, Immune Modulators, Interleukins, Colony-
Stimulating Factors, Monoclonal Antibodies, Pain Assessment,
Developmental Milestones, Safety, Growth Charts, Therapeutic
Communication, Anticipatory Guidance Exam Questions Verified and
Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
Benzodiazepines
CNS Depressant. Makes nervous system less active.
Used for:
- Acute anxiety
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Hyperexcitability
- Agitation
Examples of Benzodiazepines:
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
,Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Diazepam (Valium) P
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Temazepam (Restoril)
Diazepam (Valium) P
Anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, muscle relaxants, preoperative anxiolytic.
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Anxiety, panic attacks.
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
Anxiety, Alcohol withdrawal, Preoperative Anxiolytic.
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Panic disorders, restless leg syndrome, seizure disorders.
Lorazepam (Ativan)
,Anxiety, paranesthesia anxiolytic, seizures.
Temazepam (Restoril)
Hypnotic; treats insomnia.
What are some precautions/contraindications for benzodiazepines?
Acute narrow-angle glaucoma, shock, coma or acute alcohol intoxication.
Do not use with pregnancy, do not breast feed.
CAUTION: in elderly and patients with kidney or liver dysfunction. Inject slowly IV: can cause
hypotension, bradycardia.
What are some adverse effects of benzodiazepines?
Sedation, drowsiness, depression, lethargy, apathy, fatigue, dry mouth, constipation, elevated liver
enzymes, hypotention, palpatations, changes in libido.
Do NOT stop abruptly, need to taper off: can cause withdrawal syndrome.
Do NOT take with alcohol or other CNS depressants.
Flumazenil (Romazicon): Benzodiazepine antidote for benzodiazepine overdose.
, Barbiturates
CNS depressant; depress motor output.
Used for:
- Anxiety
- Sedation
- Insomnia
- Seizures
Barbiturates Examples:
Butabarbital (Butisol)
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
Phenobarbital P
Phenobarbital (Generic) P
Sedative-hypnotic, seizures, pre-anesthetic.
Butabarbital (Butisol)
Short term sedative-hypnotic.
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
Pre-anesthetic.
Immunology, Growth-Development, Nutrition, Family Systems, CNS,
Anxiolytics, Hypnotics, Antidepressants, SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, MAOIs,
Antipsychotics, EPS, Bipolar Management, Lithium, CNS Stimulants,
Salicylates, NSAIDs, DMARDs, Immune Modulators, Interleukins, Colony-
Stimulating Factors, Monoclonal Antibodies, Pain Assessment,
Developmental Milestones, Safety, Growth Charts, Therapeutic
Communication, Anticipatory Guidance Exam Questions Verified and
Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
Benzodiazepines
CNS Depressant. Makes nervous system less active.
Used for:
- Acute anxiety
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Hyperexcitability
- Agitation
Examples of Benzodiazepines:
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
,Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Diazepam (Valium) P
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Temazepam (Restoril)
Diazepam (Valium) P
Anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, muscle relaxants, preoperative anxiolytic.
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Anxiety, panic attacks.
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
Anxiety, Alcohol withdrawal, Preoperative Anxiolytic.
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Panic disorders, restless leg syndrome, seizure disorders.
Lorazepam (Ativan)
,Anxiety, paranesthesia anxiolytic, seizures.
Temazepam (Restoril)
Hypnotic; treats insomnia.
What are some precautions/contraindications for benzodiazepines?
Acute narrow-angle glaucoma, shock, coma or acute alcohol intoxication.
Do not use with pregnancy, do not breast feed.
CAUTION: in elderly and patients with kidney or liver dysfunction. Inject slowly IV: can cause
hypotension, bradycardia.
What are some adverse effects of benzodiazepines?
Sedation, drowsiness, depression, lethargy, apathy, fatigue, dry mouth, constipation, elevated liver
enzymes, hypotention, palpatations, changes in libido.
Do NOT stop abruptly, need to taper off: can cause withdrawal syndrome.
Do NOT take with alcohol or other CNS depressants.
Flumazenil (Romazicon): Benzodiazepine antidote for benzodiazepine overdose.
, Barbiturates
CNS depressant; depress motor output.
Used for:
- Anxiety
- Sedation
- Insomnia
- Seizures
Barbiturates Examples:
Butabarbital (Butisol)
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
Phenobarbital P
Phenobarbital (Generic) P
Sedative-hypnotic, seizures, pre-anesthetic.
Butabarbital (Butisol)
Short term sedative-hypnotic.
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
Pre-anesthetic.
