Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 349560

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Xanax and GABA how does it work

Posted by becksA on May 22, 2004, at 5:06:33

whats the basic chemical opertaion of the drug ...i take xr although it probalby wouldnt matter. What REALLY goes on - Thanks

Re: Xanax and GABA how does it work

Posted by linkadge on May 22, 2004, at 6:42:11

In reply to Xanax and GABA how does it work, posted by becksA on May 22, 2004, at 5:06:33

Xanax and similar benzodiazapines stimulate the action of GABA which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter which dampens nerve firing in certain areas of the brain.

Following this theory, anxiety can be caused by irratic nerve firing and benzo's work to attenuate this.

Linkadge

Re: Xanax and GABA how does it work

Posted by Buckeye Fan on May 22, 2004, at 15:17:11

In reply to Re: Xanax and GABA how does it work, posted by linkadge on May 22, 2004, at 6:42:11

Linkadge has probabley given the best answer avaliable to Medicine today.

You will notice in most Alprazolem (xanax) bottles, a disclaimer stating the "exact" method of calming anxiety is still unknown.

Personally I agree with Linkadge. I have taken Xanax for years to help me slepp..and it continue to be effective, which is not typical. It usually
looses its effectivness unless you keep increasing the dosage. I have been at 2 mg a half hour to 1 hour before bed for over 2 years now. It probabley helps that I rarely take it any other time.( Other than to help sleep I mean)
Her is some general advice on this particuliar class of Bezo's;

Benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZ-e-peens) belong to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system). Some benzodiazepines are used to relieve anxiety. However, benzodiazepines should not be used to relieve nervousness or tension caused by the stress of everyday life.

Some benzodiazepines are used to treat insomnia (trouble in sleeping). However, if used regularly (for example, every day) for insomnia, they usually are not effective for more than a few weeks.
Many of the benzodiazepines are used in the treatment of other conditions, also

Diazepam is used to help relax muscles or relieve muscle spasm. Diazepam injection is used before some medical procedures to relieve anxiety and to reduce memory of the procedure.

Chlordiazepoxide, clorazepate, diazepam, and oxazepam are used to treat the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Alprazolam and clonazepam are used in the treatment of panic disorder. Clobazam, clonazepam, clorazepate, diazepam, and lorazepam are used in the treatment of certain convulsive (seizure) disorders, such as epilepsy.

Buckeye Fan

Re: Xanax and GABA how does it work » becksA

Posted by chemist on May 24, 2004, at 22:04:47

In reply to Xanax and GABA how does it work, posted by becksA on May 22, 2004, at 5:06:33

> whats the basic chemical opertaion of the drug ...i take xr although it probalby wouldnt matter. What REALLY goes on - Thanks
>
hello there, chemist here...xanax is NOT a benzodiazepine. it is a triazolobenzodiazapine, not structurally realted to any 1,4- or 1,5-benzos. there is an increased affintity for the omega subunit of the BZD binding domain. do NOT comapre xanax with benzos, as all bets are off...all the best, chemist

Re: Xanax and GABA how does it work

Posted by Buckeye Fan on May 25, 2004, at 7:54:27

In reply to Re: Xanax and GABA how does it work » becksA, posted by chemist on May 24, 2004, at 22:04:47

I appreciate the Info Chemist...could you explain further. I have always seen alprazolem listed as a Benzo.

Whats the diffence?

thanks
Buckeye FAN

Re: Xanax and GABA how does it work » Buckeye Fan

Posted by chemist on May 26, 2004, at 21:38:15

In reply to Re: Xanax and GABA how does it work, posted by Buckeye Fan on May 25, 2004, at 7:54:27

> I appreciate the Info Chemist...could you explain further. I have always seen alprazolem listed as a Benzo.
>
> Whats the diffence?
>
> thanks
> Buckeye FAN

hello there, chemist here...i apologize for the delay, busy....xanax is a triazolobenzodiazepine, and is in the same class as estalopram and triazolam. tradiational benzos are 1,4 and 1,5 substituted drugs. xanax incorporates a triazolo group, making the binding affinity for the omega sub-site in GABA_{A} more pronounced. as one can taper from, say, valium to klonopin, one cannot with reasonable comfort taper from xanax to a 1,4 or 1,5 benzo...all the best, chemist

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