[Mechanism of action, indications and abuse of benzodiazepine anxiolytic drugs]

Abstract

Anxiolytic benzodiazepines are used in the treatment of anxiety. Nonmedical use has widely developed, mainly because of their ability to generate addiction. Main indications are anxiety disorders with or without depressive symptoms. Action mechanisms include complex interaction with GABA-receptor. Dependence, tolerance and withdrawal are well-known. Treatment of substance abuse is given. Main non-benzodiazepine alternate treatments of anxiety disorders are proposed.