Changes

Benzodiazepines are primarily anxiolytics, but do have sedative effects in man and sick animals. They also cause muscle relaxation and are anticonvulsants.

Benzodiazepines are primarily anxiolytics, but do have sedative effects in man and sick animals. They also cause muscle relaxation and are anticonvulsants.

==Side Effects and Contraindications==

==Side Effects and Contraindications==

Benzodiazepines give mild respiratory and cardiovascular suppression. They are however synergistic with central depressants such as barbiturates, antihistamines and alcohol.

Benzodiazepines give mild respiratory and cardiovascular suppression. They are however synergistic with central depressants such as barbiturates, antihistamines and alcohol. When administered to healthy animals, they can often act to increase levels of excitement, due to a disinhibition phenomenon.

==Drugs in this Group==

==Drugs in this Group==

Diazepam may be given orally or intravenously. Intravenous administration gives a rapid onset of action. The drug is dissolved in propylene glycol, which may cause thrombophlebitis, pain on injection and cardiac arrhythmias.

Diazepam may be given orally or intravenously. Intravenous administration gives a rapid onset of action. The drug is dissolved in propylene glycol, which may cause thrombophlebitis, pain on injection and cardiac arrhythmias.

As there are few cardiovascular side effect, diazepam is good for use as a premedicant. It can also be used with [[NMDA Antagonists|ketamine]] to induce and maintain anaethesia in the horse and in compromised small animals.

As there are few cardiovascular side effect, diazepam is good for use as a premedicant. It can also be used with [[Dissociative Agents#Ketamine|ketamine]] to induce and maintain anaethesia in the horse and in compromised small animals.

===Midazolam===

===Midazolam===

==Benzodiazepine Antagonists==

==Benzodiazepine Antagonists==