Anti-anxiety drugs

• Benzodiazepines (BZs) are commonly used to reduce anxiety. They are made under various names such as Xanax and Valium.

  • BZs slow 🦥 down the activity of the CNS by enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, a neurotransmitter that, when releases has a quietening effect on many of the neurons in the brain 🧠
• • BZs work by reacting with GABA receptors on the outside of receiving neurons.
  • When GABA locks into these receptors, it opens a channel that increases the flow of chloride ions into the neuron.
  • Chloride ions make it harder for the neuron to be stimulated by other neurotransmitters, thus slowing down 👇 it's activity and making the patient feel more relaxed 😎