Benzodiazepines
-zepam, -zolamHow it works
Boost GABA, the brain's brake pedal → less anxiety, sedation, seizure control, muscle relaxation.
You'll see
Used for
Side effects
Monitor
- RR and sedation scale — the opioid+benzo combination is the classic respiratory arrest recipe
- Fall precautions on
- CIWA scoring drives dosing in withdrawal — score honestly
- Antidote: flumazenil (used cautiously — can provoke seizures)
🎓 Patient teaching
No alcohol. Short-term tool, not a long-term plan. Don't stop long-term benzos abruptly — withdrawal seizures are real.
Source: Lehne's Pharmacology for Nursing Care, 11th ed.Reference only — verify against your facility's policy.
