Effect of benzodiazepines

1. Reduction of anxiety: At low doses, the benzodiazepines are anxiolytic. They are thought to reduce anxiety by selectively enhancing GABAergic transmission in neurons having the α2 subunit in their GABAA receptors, thereby inhibiting neuronal circuits in the limbic system of the brain. 2. Sedative and hypnotic actions: All are used to treat anxiety have some sedative properties, and some can produce hypnosis (artificially produced sleep) at higher doses. Their effects have been shown to be mediated by the α1-GABAA receptors. 3. Anterograde amnesia: The temporary impairment of memory w/ use is also mediated by the α1-GABAA receptors. This also impairs ability to learn and form new memories. 4. Anticonvulsant: Several of the benzodiazepines have anticonvulsant activity and some are used to treat epilepsy (status epilepticus) and other seizure disorders. This effect is partially, although not completely, mediated by α1-GABAA receptors. 5. Muscle relaxant: At high doses, the benzodiazepines relax the spasticity of skeletal muscle, probably by increasing presynaptic inhibition in the spinal cord, where the α2-GABAA receptors are largely located. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that is believed to affect GABA receptors at the level of the spinal cord.