CHEM 1004 Chapter Notes - Chapter 10: Valproate, Urinary Retention, Schizophrenia

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Useful to calm anxious patients before surgery and to help people with insomnia (can"t sleep) Note chemical structure-have benzene ring (benzo) and an attached 7-membered ring containing 2 n atoms (diaza) Most common are xanax, librium, valium, ativan-for daytime use. Librium - had tranquilizing effects, but not as strong as major tranquilizers. Blocks the arousal of higher" brain centres. In addition to binding gaba, it has binding sites for drugs such as the bda"s. Bda"s make the gaba receptor site more efficient. Results in increased chloride ion concentration in the postsynaptic neuron. Result of bda"s: decreased excitation of many nerve systems, reduced anxiety, diminished alertness and an increase in the threshold of convulsion. These have a propanediol /carbamate type structure. Equanil, miltown; mechanism of action not known completely. Lower therapeutic indices than bda"s , so use has declined recently. Benzodiazepine (bda) receptors are located primarily in the brain, hence these drugs have no effect on the heart or skeletal muscles.