Benzodiazepines differ from barbiturates in that they

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines and barbiturates both enhance the effect of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, but they do so through different mechanisms. Barbiturates bind to the same subunit on the GABAᴀ receptor complex as GABA itself and can open Cl⁻ channels on their own, leading to sedation and respiratory depression. In contrast, benzodiazepines bind to a different subunit on the GABAᴀ receptor complex and enhance the effect of GABA without directly opening Cl⁻ channels. This results in anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant effects without producing as much sedation or respiratory depression as barbiturates. Therefore, choices A and C are correct, and the best answer is D, which includes both of them.

Benzodiazepines Differ from Barbiturates in That They