ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses benzodiazepines. It presents the approved indications of the drug for neuropsychological disorders, usual dosage and administration, available dosage forms, storage, and compatibility, and the mechanism of action. Information on relative contraindications, clinically significant drug interactions, adverse drug reactions, and overdosage is also provided. Benzodiazepine pharmacotherapy is indicated for the prevention and treatment of absence seizures, akinetic seizures, myoclonic seizures, status epilepticus, and seizures associated with the acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome. In regard to the latter, long-acting benzodiazepines, such as chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, are preferred. The benzodiazepines are available in various oral, injectable, rectal, and sublingual formulations. Benzodiazepines appear to act at the benzodiazepine receptors (i.e., BZD-1 and BZD-2). These receptors are found at several sites within the CNS, particularly in the cerebral cortex and the limbic system.