DEFINITION, PREVALENCE & ETIOLOGY

DEFINITION

• GABA receptor agonists
• Two categories: benzodiazepines and Z-drugs

PREVALENCE

• Higher rates of prescriptions are in women

ETIOLOGY

• Benzodiazepines: act on GABA receptors
• Properties: hypnotic, sedative, muscle relaxant, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant – Types of benzodiazepines:

-Hypnotics: temazepam, nitrazepam

-Anxiolytics: diazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam

• Z-drugs (non-benzo hypnotics): developed to overcome the adverse effects of benzodiazepines
• zopiclone, zolpidem