1. TOPICS TO DISCUSS
1. Classifications of:
a) anxiolytics;
b) CNS stimulants.
2. Pharmacological effects and mechanism of CNS depressant action of benzodiazepines (based on the diagram of benzodiazepine - GABAA-re-ceptor complex).
3. Main therapeutic use and adverse effects of benzodiazepines. Antagonists of benzodiazepine receptors.
4. Mechanism of anxiolytic action of buspirone. Pharmacological effects of buspirone. Comparison of benzodiazepines, buspirone, paroxetine, dulox-etine, trazodone.
5. Pharmacological effects of amphetamines. Mechanisms of CNS stimulant action of amphetamines (based on the diagram of monoaminergic synapses).
6. Main therapeutic use and adverse effects of amphetamines.
7. Mechanisms of pharmacological effects and therapeutic use of caffeine.
8. Comparison of amphetamines and caffeine.
9. Mechanism of action and therapeutic use of respiratory stimulants (analeptics).
Background information
Anxiety states (key terms)
Anxiety states are associated with excessive and unmotivated fear reactions such as defensive behaviors, autonomic reflexes, negative emotions, etc. Anxiety disorders have clinically different variants:
- generalized anxiety disorder, which is characterized by excessive anxiety when there are no clear reasons for it;
- panic disorder - attacks of strong fear accompanied by such somatic symptoms as tachycardia, sweating, chest pain, trembling, etc;
- phobias - excessive fears of specific things or situations, e.g. height, closed rooms, sea trips, beetles, etc.
Specific drugs called anxiolytics are used for the symptomatic treatment of anxiety disorders.
2A. CLASSIFICATION OF ANXIOLYTICS
I. Agonists of benzodiazepine receptors:
1. Long half-life (1-3 days): Clorazepate, Chlordiazepoxide, Diazepam, Flurazepam, Quazepam, Medazepam