Benzodiazepines (BZDs) became popular many decades ago for a wide range of conditions. Due to an increased understanding of pharmacology and physiology, the mechanisms of action of many BZDs are now largely understood. However, the severity of BZD-induced adverse effects forces physicians to implement caution and pay attention to side effects while prescribing this class of agents. BZDs are used for numerous indications, including anxiety, insomnia, muscle relaxation, relief from spasticity caused by central nervous system pathology, and epilepsy.
BZDs are also used intraoperatively because of their amnesic and anxiolytic properties. However, these properties become undesired side effects in nearly all other clinical instances. Tolerance, dependence, age-related physiological changes, and drug-drug interactions are all important considerations. Pharmacology Pharmacodynamics BZDs act as…
