KnowraAnxiolyticAnxiolyticAn anxiolytic is a medication or substance that reduces anxiety. Examples include benzodiazepines and buspirone.BriefConnectGABA-A receptor: A ligand-gated ion channel that mediates much of the brain’s fast inhibitory signaling through gamma-aminobutyric acid. Benzodiazepines reduce anxiety partly by enhancing this receptor’s response to GABA.Generalized anxiety disorder: A mental disorder marked by excessive, persistent worry across multiple areas of life. Buspirone and several antidepressants are commonly used to treat this disorder.Cognitive behavioral therapy: A structured psychotherapy that changes unhelpful patterns of thought and behavior through practice and guided exercises. It can treat anxiety without medication and may complement pharmacological treatment.Benzodiazepine dependence: A state in which regular benzodiazepine use leads to adaptation, making withdrawal symptoms likely when use stops or falls. It is a major concern with prolonged or frequent use of a common anxiolytic class.Serotonin 1A receptor: A serotonin receptor found in the brain that can act as both a presynaptic autoreceptor and a postsynaptic receptor. Buspirone’s partial agonism at this receptor is central to its anxiolytic action.Panic disorder: An anxiety disorder involving recurrent unexpected panic attacks and persistent concern or behavioral change related to them. Medication choice can target both recurring attacks and anxiety between them.Antidepressant: A medication primarily used to treat depressive disorders, with some classes also used for anxiety disorders. Many first-line long-term anxiety medicines are classified as antidepressants rather than anxiolytics.Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome: A set of symptoms following reduction or cessation after sustained benzodiazepine use, sometimes including seizures. Abrupt discontinuation after regular use can cause medically serious withdrawal.Benzodiazepine: A class of drugs that enhances GABA-A receptor signaling and is used for anxiety, seizures, and other conditions. This rapid-acting anxiolytic class illustrates receptor-mediated relief and dependence risks.Social anxiety disorder: An anxiety disorder involving persistent fear of scrutiny or negative evaluation in social situations. Antidepressants are often used when anxiety is persistent across social situations.Show all 21Linked from 8 pagesPsychiatric medicationBroader topic: Anxiolytics target acute or persistent anxiety, though their risks differ substantially by drug.DepressantRelated: Some depressants, especially benzodiazepines, are prescribed for short-term anxiety relief.BromazepamNarrower topic: Bromazepam is used for its anxiolytic effect, typically as part of short-term symptom management.HypnoticCompared with: Some hypnotics also relieve anxiety, but sleep induction is their defining therapeutic purpose.PsychopharmacologyBroader topic: Anxiolytics include drugs with different benefits, risks, and dependence potential.Show all 8