alprazolam (Xanax)

Class:Benzodiazepene (most widely prescribed)

Action: Binds to GABA receptor, increases GABA

Precautions: Respiratory/CNS depressant, drowsiness, addictive, don't suddenly stop meds

Monitor: VS, Resp, LOC, safety, stimulants, emotional status

chlordiazepoxide (Librium)

Class: Benzodiazepine (most widely prescribed)

Usage: Anxiety

Action: binds to GABA receptor, increasing GABA

Precautions: Respiratory/CNS depressant, drowsiness, addictive, don't stop taking suddenly

Monitor: VS, Resp, LOC, safety, stimulants, emotional status

Clonazepam (Klonapin)

Class: Benzodiazepene (most widely prescribed)

Usage: Anxiety

Action: binds to GABA receptor, increases GABA

Precautions: Respiratory/CNS depressant, drowsiness, addictive, don't suddenly stop taking

Monitor: VS, Resp, LOC, safety, stimulants, emotional status

diazepam (Valium)

Class: Benzodiazepine (most widely prescribed)

Usage: Anxiety

Action: binds to GABA receptors, increases GABA

Precautions: Respiratory/CNS depressant, drowsiness, addictive, don't suddenly stop taking

Monitor: VS, Resp, LOC, safety, stimulants, emotional status

lorazepam (Ativan)

Class: Benzodiazepine (most widely prescribed)

Usage: Anxiety

Action: binds to GABA receptors, increases GABA

Precautions: Respiratory/CNS depressant, drowsiness, addictive, don't suddenly stop taking

Monitor: VS, Resp, LOC, safety, stimulants, emotional status

oxazepam (Serax)

Class: Benzodiazepine (most widely prescribed)

Usage: Anxiety

Action: binds to GABA receptors, increases GABA

Precautions: Respiratory/CNS depressant, drowsiness, addictive, don't suddenly stop taking

Monitor: VS, Resp, LOC, safety, stimulants, emotional status

midazolam (Versed)

Class: Benzodiazepine (most widely prescribed)

Usage: Anxiety

Action: binds to GABA receptors, increases GABA

Precautions: Respiratory/CNS depressant, drowsiness, addictive, don't suddenly stop taking

Monitor: VS, Resp, LOC, safety, stimulants, emotional status