Benzodiazepines
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Benzodiazepines are primarily anxiolytics, but do have sedative effects in man and sick animals. They also cause muscle relaxation and are anticonvulsants.
Mechanism of Action
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that opens post-synaptic Cl- channel to hyperpolarise the membrane and reduce the chance of action potential conduction occuring. Benzodiazepines modulate the GABA/Cl- channel complexes to enhance the effects of GABA. Benzodiazepines therefore have no intrinsic activity.