NR546 Week 4 Assignment Anxiolytic Medications Table

Drug Name/

Medication class

Indication

List diagnosis and targeted symptoms

Associated Neurotransmitters

Half-life (T1/2)

Metabolism (CYP 450 enzyme)

Notable side effects 

Gabapentin

Generalised anxiety disorder, neuropathic pain; targets anxiety, restlessness, sleep disturbance

GABA (indirect modulation), Glutamate

Half-life: 5–7 hours
CYP: Not significantly metabolised; excreted unchanged in urine

Dizziness, fatigue, ataxia, peripheral oedema

Pregabalin

Generalised anxiety disorder, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain; targets anxiety, pain, sleep disturbances

Glutamate (modulation via calcium channels), GABA (indirect)

Half-life: 6.3 hours
CYP: Minimal metabolism; primarily renal excretion

Dizziness, somnolence, weight gain, dry mouth

Buspirone

Generalised anxiety disorder; targets worry, tension, irritability

Serotonin (5-HT1A partial agonist), Dopamine (D2)

Half-life: 2–3 hours
CYP: CYP3A4

Dizziness, nausea, headache, restlessness

Hydroxyzine

Anxiety, pruritus, sedation; targets acute anxiety, agitation, insomnia

Histamine (H1 antagonist), Serotonin (5-HT2A antagonist)

Half-life: 20–25 hours
CYP: CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 (minor)

Sedation, dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision

Alprazolam

Panic disorder, generalised anxiety disorder; targets acute anxiety, panic.

GABA (A receptor agonist)

Half-life: 11–16 hours
CYP: CYP3A4

Drowsiness, fatigue, memory impairment, dependency

Lorazepam

Anxiety disorders, insomnia, status epilepticus; targets acute anxiety, agitation

GABA (A receptor agonist)

Half-life: 10–20 hours
CYP: Glucuronidation (not via CYP450)

Sedation, dizziness, weakness, dependence

Clonazepam

Panic disorder, seizures; targets acute anxiety, panic, and muscle tension

GABA (A receptor agonist)

Half-life: 18–50 hours
CYP: CYP3A4

Drowsiness, coordination problems, dependence

Diazepam

Anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures; targets tension, restlessness, insomnia

GABA (A receptor agonist)

Half-life: 20–50 hours (active metabolite: 30–100 hrs)
CYP: CYP2C19, CYP3A4

Sedation, fatigue, ataxia, dependency

Propranolol

Performance anxiety, hypertension, tremors; targets somatic anxiety (e.g., palpitations)

Norepinephrine (beta-adrenergic blockade)

Half-life: 3 6 hours
CYP: CYP2D6

Bradycardia, fatigue, hypotension, dizziness