Word parts
What it means
A medicine used to treat anxiety. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam, alprazolam and diazepam, work fast and are used for short-term or acute anxiety, panic and alcohol withdrawal. Buspirone works more slowly and does not cause dependence. Some antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs) are first-choice long-term treatments for anxiety disorders.
For the nurse
Benzodiazepines cause drowsiness and falls and can slow breathing, especially with opioids or alcohol. Teach not to drive until the effect is known, to avoid alcohol and not to stop suddenly after regular use, which can cause seizures. The Beers Criteria advise avoiding benzodiazepines in most older adults. Flumazenil reverses benzodiazepines.
At a glance
| Drug class | anxiolytic (antianxiety agent) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Ativan (lorazepam); Xanax (alprazolam); Valium (diazepam) |
| Spanish | ansiolítico |
| Also written | anxiolytics, antianxiety agent, antianxiety drug, antianxiety agents |
Related terms
sedative-hypnotic
A drug that calms a person (sedative) or helps them fall asleep (hypnotic); the same drug can do either, depending on the dose.
coping strategy
Anything a person does or thinks to manage stress, a problem or difficult feelings.
drowsiness
Feeling sleepy or less alert than usual.