What it means
Drugs that strengthen the brain's main calming messenger, GABA. Most generic names end in "-azepam" or "-azolam": lorazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, midazolam, clonazepam. They act fast and are used for anxiety, panic, seizures (including status epilepticus), alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasm and sedation before procedures. Flumazenil reverses them.
For the nurse
Watch for drowsiness, confusion, falls and slow breathing, especially with opioids or alcohol (a boxed warning). Long use leads to dependence; teach the client never to stop suddenly, since withdrawal can cause seizures. Older adults are more sensitive and the Beers list advises avoiding them. IV forms used for moderate sedation are on the ISMP high-alert list.
Remember it
"-pam" and "-lam" calm.
At a glance
| Drug class | sedative-hypnotic; anxiolytic |
|---|---|
| Spanish | benzodiacepina |
| Also written | benzodiazepines, benzo |
Related terms
seizure
A sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that changes movement, feeling, behavior or awareness.
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.
sedation
A calm, relaxed or sleepy state brought on by drugs, or the use of drugs to cause it.