ATC Group: N05B Anxiolytics

Alprazolam, like other benzodiazepines, has a high affinity for the benzodiazepine binding site in the brain. It facilitates the inhibitory neurotransmitter action of gamma-aminobutyric acid, which mediates both pre- and post synaptic inhibition in the central nervous system (CNS).

Bromazepam is a pyridylbenzodiazepine compound with anxiolytic properties.

Buspirone is an azaspirodecanedione. The exact mechanism of buspirone anxioselective action is not fully known. From animal studies it is known to interact with serotonin, noradrenaline (norepinephrine), acetylcholine and dopamine systems of the brain.

Chlordiazepoxide has anxiolytic and central muscle relaxant properties. It has little autonomic activity. Chlordiazepoxide acts as depressant of the central nervous system producing all levels of CNS depression, from mild sedation to hypnosis, to coma depending on the dose.

Clobazam is a 1,5-benzodiazepine and the pharmacodynamic activity is qualitatively similar to that of other compounds of the class of Muscle relaxant, Anxiolytic, Sedative, Hypnotic, Anticonvulsant, Amnesic.

Clorazepate is a benzodiazepine with anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant properties. Clorazepate exerts its effect by de-activating the nervous system through potentiation of the inhibitory effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the GABA-A receptors by binding to a site that is distinct from the GABA binding site.

Diazepam is a psychotropic substance from the class of 1,4-benzodiazepines with marked properties of suppression of tension, agitation and anxiety as well as sedative and hypnotic effects. In addition, diazepam demonstrates muscle relaxant and anticonvulsive properties. It is used in the short-term treatment of anxiety and tension states, as a sedative and premedicant, in the control of muscle spasm and in the management of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Etifoxine is a nonbenzodiazepine anxiolytic agent and acts as a GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator and as a ligand for translocator proteins. Both mechanisms are conjectured to contribute to its anxiolytic properties. Etifoxine primarily indicated for short-term management of adjustment disorder, specifically instances of situational depression accompanied by anxiety, such as stress-induced anxiety.

Hydroxyzine is a first generation antihistamine, a piperazine derivative, with antimuscarinic and sedative properties.

Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine with anxiolytic, sedative and hypnotic properties.

Meprobamate is a carbamate with hypnotic, sedative and some muscle relaxant properties. It is used for the short-term treatment of anxiety states, muscle tension and associated conditions where anxiety is present. In therapeutic doses its sedative effect rather than a direct action may be responsible for muscle relaxation.

Mexazolam is a benzodiazepine indicated for the management of anxiety disorder associated or not to psychoneurotic conditions. The exact sites and mode of action have not been fully elucidated, but it appears to be mediated through the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), by the stimulation of specific receptors. Both GABA and chloride may enhance the binding to those receptors.

Nordazepam is a 1,4-benzodiazepinone having phenyl and chloro substituents at positions 5 and 7 respectively. Nordazepam has anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant and sedative properties but is used primarily in the treatment of anxiety.

Oxazepam is a synthetic benzodiazepine derivative with anxiolytic and sedative hypnotic properties. Although the mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated, oxazepam appears to enhance gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor affinity for GABA, thereby prolonging synaptic actions of GABA.

Prazepam is a benzodiazepine derivative and has depressant effects on the central nervous system. Benzodiazepines act at the level of the limbic, thalamic, and hypothalamic regions of the CNS and can produce any level of CNS depression required including sedation, hypnosis, skeletal muscle relaxation, and anticonvulsant activity.

Tofisopam is an atypical benzodiazepine derivative. It has an anxiolytic effect, almost not-accompanied by a sedative, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant action. Tofisopam is a psychovegetative regulator, it eliminates various forms of autonomic disorders. It has a mild stimulating activity. Due to the lack miorelaxant effect tofisopam can also be used in patients with myopathy and myasthenia.