Question 1

The benzodiazepines are said to

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines bind to a specific site on the GABA-A receptor and enhance the affinity of the receptor for GABA molecules. This makes the receptor more sensitive to GABA and increases the inhibitory effects of GABA on neural activity, resulting in sedative, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant effects.

Question 2

Benzodiazepines are rarely injected into muscle tissue due to their erratic absorption. One exception to this is when a patient is experiencing

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines can be injected into muscle tissue during a seizure to quickly and effectively stop the seizure activity. This is because the muscles in the body are contracting and not absorbing the medication erratically like they would during normal muscle activity. Benzodiazepines are not typically used in the other situations mentioned in the answer choices.

Question 3

Benzodiazepines enhance the effects of

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines enhance the effects of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, leading to sedative and anxiolytic effects.

Question 4

Benzodiazepine over-sedation usually is

Accepted Answer

The answer of Benzodiazepine over-sedation usually is
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Question 5

Persons taking diazepam have been found to have a 500% increased chance of

Accepted Answer

Diazepam is a sedative-hypnotic drug that can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. These effects can increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents while taking the medication. Option A is incorrect because optic neuritis is not a known side effect of diazepam. Option B is partially correct because diazepam can cause shortened reaction time, but this is not necessarily a risk factor for harm or adverse outcomes. Option D is incorrect because diazepam can actually impair visual perception in dim light situations.

Question 6

To date, researchers have identified subtypes of the GABA receptor, and the exact function of each __________.

Accepted Answer

The passage states that researchers have identified "more than 20" subtypes of the GABA receptor, and that the "exact function of each is still being explored." Therefore, choice A is the correct answer.

Question 7

It is impossible to overdose on a benzodiazepine.

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepine overdose is possible and can lead to severe symptoms, especially when combined with other substances like alcohol or opioids.

Question 8

The Royal College of Psychiatrists in Great Britain recommends that benzodiazepines be used for no long than continuously.

Accepted Answer

The Royal College of Psychiatrists recommends that benzodiazepines be used for no longer than 4 weeks continuously to minimize the risk of dependence and other adverse effects.

Question 9

A friend started taking a prescribed benzodiazepine for anxiety and begins to demonstrate symptoms of depression and suicidal thinking. Which of the following statements is most true?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines have been known to have rare side effects such as depression and suicidal thinking. It is important for your friend to discuss these symptoms with their prescribing physician as soon as possible.

Question 10

Which hypnotic drug works by binding with the melatonin receptor in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Ramelteon is a hypnotic drug that works by binding with the melatonin receptor in the brain. Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic that acts on the GABA receptors, Buspirone is an anxiolytic drug that works by stimulating serotonin receptors, and Rohypnol is a benzodiazepine that is illegal in many countries due to its high potential for abuse and dependence.

Question 11

The variations in chemical structure between different benzodiazepines

Accepted Answer

The variations in chemical structure between different benzodiazepines primarily affect the duration of effect, as they influence the pharmacokinetics, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Question 12

The benzodiazepines are thought to exert their primary effect in the

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines bind to the GABAa receptor site, enhancing the effect of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. This results in sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant effects. The other options are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the mechanism of action of benzodiazepines.

Question 13

What percentage of adults in the western world will use a benzodiazepine each year?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What percentage of adults in the western...

Question 14

A common form of benzodiazepine abuse is when they are mixed with to produce a sense of euphoria.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A common form of benzodiazepine abuse is...

Question 15

All of the following describe benzodiazepines EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

While benzodiazepines are commonly used for seizure control, not all benzodiazepines have been proven to assist in seizure control. Therefore, statement B is false.

Question 16

The brain constantly attempts to adjust to environmental demands through a number of compensatory mechanisms, including

Accepted Answer

The compensatory mechanisms that the brain uses to adjust to environmental demands is referred to as neuroadaptation. This process involves changes in neural circuits and neurotransmitter systems to maintain stability and optimal functioning despite changes in the environment. Choices A and B are not accurate descriptions of compensatory mechanisms involved in neuroadaptation, and neural-definitation is not a recognized term in the field of neuroscience.

Question 17

Benzodiazepine can interfere with

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepine can interfere with sexual function, sleep, and memory. These drugs can decrease libido, lead to erectile dysfunction or delayed ejaculation. They can also reduce deep sleep and cause memory impairment, especially in long-term use. Therefore, all of these answers are correct.

Question 18

The medical community collectively uses benzodiazepines for the long-term treatment of anxiety.

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines are generally prescribed for short-term relief of anxiety due to the risk of dependence and tolerance with long-term use.

Question 19

It is potentially dangerous to mix benzodiazepines with many prescription and over-the-counter drugs or herbal supplements.

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines can interact with other medications or supplements, leading to potentially dangerous side effects, such as excessive sedation, respiratory depression, or even coma. It is important to check with a healthcare provider before combining benzodiazepines with any other substance.

Question 20

The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome

Accepted Answer

The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome can be severe and potentially life-threatening, particularly if a person has been using these drugs at high doses or for a long period of time. Symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal may include seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens. Medical supervision is typically necessary during the withdrawal process to ensure that the person can safely taper off the medication and manage any complications that may arise.

Quiz 7: Abuse and Addiction to Benzodiazepines and Similar Agents