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.

Anti-Anxiety Agents↗

PubMedDate not supplied

On the early recognition of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal complication, has been reported to occur in some patients with the administration of neuroleptic medications. Clinically it is manifested by four groups of symptoms which include muscular hypertonicity, autonomic instability, altered consciousness, and hyperthermia. Laboratory findings such as elevated creatinine phosphokinase and leukocytosis are also seen. While it is true that the incidence of the full blown clinical picture of this syndrome is rare, the authors report that only muscular hypertonicity and autonomic instability have occurred frequently in their setting leading to discontinuation of neuroleptics. Such abortive cases may go undetected. If properly diagnosed, the occurrence of this syndrome is not as rare as the published reports indicate. Second, it is reported that rechallenge with neuroleptics may not induce Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome again. The authors noted recurrence of fever after rechallenge with a different neuroleptic drug. This article describes the method of early recognition and prevention of morbidity as well as mortality.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

SIADH: a serious side effect of psychotropic drugs.

In this communication two cases of possibly drug induced hyponatremia secondary to amitriptyline and thioridazine have been reported. What is particularly important is the fact that in one, irreversible neurological symptoms were left as sequelae and in the other, the patient was in a coma and thus suffered from a potentially lethal complication. The physicians should be aware of this disturbing side effect while treating their patients with antidepressant and neuroleptic medications.

Adult↗