Benzodiazepines: selective administration

Benzodiazepines are unique chemicals with anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and hypnotic properties. Twelve preparations of this group are available in the U.S.A.: two of them belong to the triazolo and one to the 3-nitro groups, the remaining ones are 3-OH or 2-keto benzodiazepines. A number of commonly employed drugs interact with benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepine receptor antagonists which block only one of its actions have been isolated. These promise to lead to preparations with only anxiolytic action without sedation or anticonvulsant action in the future. Guidelines for the selection of the proper drug and for the prevention of dependence are described.