Benzodiazepines (Benzos) Pharmacology: Anxiety Medication Sedative Nursing NCLEX

Benzodiazepines (also called benzos or BDZs) are a class or group of central nervous system (CNS) depressants that calm the CNS. Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety (anxiolytic), hypnotic, sedative type of drugs.

In this video, Nurse Sarah covers nursing considerations of this anxiety medication, such as side effects, mechanism of action, conditions these drugs treat, and benzo toxicity/overdose for nursing school pharmacology exams, NCLEX review, and general nurse and patient knowledge.

Benzodiazepines amplify the effect of the neurotransmitter GABAA (GAMMA aminobutyric acid). Common benzos include the following:

Alprazolam (Xanax)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Temazepam (Restoril)
Diazepam (Valium)
Midazolam (Versed)


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[RegisteredNurseRN]

Hey, everyone! Thanks for watching this pharmacology review. Don't forget:

[nancypierre-louis]

Thank you Nurse Sarah I took my test on Monday with your help I found out today I pass NCLEX.

[cyberkiki]

Always such a good teacher!! Thank you!! 2nd semester RN student here 👋🏽

[jb]

Was on a benzo for 22 years. One day the doctor said we don't do that anymore. There was no problem stopping. Idk why they claim they are addictive. Another dr. told me they don't use because they cause kidney problems. My kidneys are fine. Meanwhile, I have been suffering from anxiety and panic attacks ever since they took me off the benzos. Finally, I was told by one dr. they don't want you on benzos because of all the opiate addicts. Opiates and benzos can be deadly. Well, I'm sorry. The doctors are wrong. Some of us need the benzos. It's been years, but I finally found a doctor who will prescribe them. My life is getting back to normal. I wish the doctors never messed with what I was taking for years. All these people prescribing anti depressants for anti anxiety meds have never really experienced severe anxiety. If they did, believe be benzos would be a sacrament.

[willbmw]

As a layperson, I thank you for being able to explain life!

[ThePrincessgates]

Thank you for this video. In 15 mins I was able to understand everything on benzos.. 2hours lecture on it at school and i did not understand anything.. you are such a great teacher...keep it up😍💞☺

[kuyareyrn]

Hi Thank You for all Your video lectures. I PASSED THE NCLEX EXAM..by just taking notes and listening to ALL your lectures it really help me a lot. I could not forget the Alendronate ( Fosamax ) "To take it full glass of water and remain upright for 30 mins" it did went out during my NCLEX exam, and also the Dimensional Analysis on drug calculations it did well. THANK YOU...and also the "Montelukast" it came out as well.

[ravindranathn]

I m from India
.i missed my clonozepam.5 yesterday night and had a horrible night..i had a mild stroke and have been taking this for nearly 8 months..i could not sleep the whole night..i just don't know that this drug would do more damage to my system

[AarianIrving]

You helped me through nursing school, and you're now helping me in graduate school. You are truly appreciated, thank you so much!

[cloudleopard]

Hi I have been on Benzos for a long period of time & the same dose still works . I have NEVER abused them or Increased my dose. The same dose still works after years of taking them.. Benzos have improved my emotional and mental well being.. I have read all the information I have been given on benozs. Now because of my age the "doctors" want to make me quit.!!!

[TheWrinkle]

Oh my goodness! As a geriatrician, I spend a lot of time trying to de-prescribe these "pams". Thanks for providing this clear overview and for mentioning the Beers list!

[reallifepsych]

Happy International Women’s Day everyone! (yes I know there are male nurses too)

[jeang.]

Thanks Sarah😘 this helps a lot!
Thank you for all your great videos... Bless you and your

[TauseefClub]

Very well explained. Thank you. Ma'am please also make a video on Anesthetics(general and local).

[broghanmack]

“So that patient can chill” Amen sister 😅

[Honeybeemfc]

Amazing! Thank you so much; what you said really stuck, and I was able to visualize everything you explained when taking the post quiz and answer all the questions correctly. Thank you for helping me not only survive nursing school but thrive!

[medajoyoamil]

Thank u soo much mam Sarah! I really love the way u explain. U r such a blessing. :)

[ethanaguilar]

This is my go-to nursing aid since I am a new nurse assigned in ER. Thank you

[najma]

I am a high school student and I watch your videos from Iraq. My dream is to become a doctor. I love you so much 🇮🇶😘💕

اللهم حلمي ❤️

[elizabethcohen]

What do you do if you are taking benzos and opiates and need to get off of them? You would have to taper off both and one can’t be prescribed with the other so wouldn’t you be stuck going off cold turkey for one of them. I am in school learning how to treat people addicted to these drugs by prescription over long periods of time.