Question

Explain why benzodiazepines are anxiolytic in the short term but anxiogenic
in the long term whereas serotonin specific reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the
reverse

Answer 1

Answer-Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that have anxiolytic, sedative, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant, and hypnotic properties.It is prescribed to patients who have complains of sleep , anxiety and it works like magic . However benzodiazepines can have anxiolytic as well as anxiogenic effects depending on the duration it is used for.

Benzodiazepines reduce symptoms of anxiety by increasing the action of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a chemical that nerve cells use to communicate with each other and it reduces brain activity. It is believed that excessive activity in the brain may lead to anxiety or other psychiatric disorders.

The term Anxiolytic have been used to describe drugs that lessen anxiety are also known as anti anxiety drug . Anxiolytic or Benzodiazepines slows down the activity in the brain that's why they are called as the depressants . Benzodiazepines belong to a class of drug that modulate the neurotransmitter Y- aminobutyric acid ( GABA), especially the GABA- A to open the chloride channel . The result can have a anxiolytic effect (sleep inducing effect , sedation and muscle relaxation ).
The term Anxiogenic means substance which causes anxiety . Benzodiazepines have powerful calming effect on the brain. Benzodiazepines can modulate GABA A receptors which can have Agonist effect resulting the dependency thus serving as anxiogenic if used in a longer term .

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters (SSRI) are psychiatric drugs which includes fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline , fluvoxamine , escitalopram and citalopram . It prevents reuptake of serotonin from synaptic cleft and potentiate effects of serotonin on post synaptic receptors . It is majorly used in anxiety disorders, depression , obsessive compulsive disorder , eating disorders etc. Unlike benzodiazepine SSRI , have anxiolytic effects only after the acute administration . In simpler terms SSRI change how the brain regulate the serotonin , so more of the neurotransmitter is available. It helps to elevate the mood of the people dealing with the depression. Though SSRI is considered to be very effective treatment for depression but for some people it may trigger feeling of restlessness and anxiety as its noted side-effects which classifies it to be termed under drugs with anxiogenic effects .