This document summarizes information about benzodiazepines, including their pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, uses, side effects, and alternatives. Benzodiazepines work by enhancing GABA effects in the brain and are used short-term to treat anxiety, insomnia, and alcohol withdrawal, but have risks for the elderly, risks of abuse and dependence, and side effects like sedation and amnesia. Newer non-benzodiazepine drugs that target specific receptor subtypes or serotonin systems aim to provide similar effects with fewer side effects and risks.

1. Chemical Dependence Process