Why are benzodiazepines often preferred over barbiturates? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. They have selective action at specific receptor sites.
b. There is a wide range of safety between therapeutic and lethal levels.
c. REM sleep is decreased to a lesser extent.
d. Accidental overdoses are well tolerated.
e. There are no hypotensive episodes when rising to a sitting position.

Answer 1

ANS: A, B, C, D
The selectivity of specific drugs at receptor sites accounts for the wide variety of uses.
There is a wide safety margin between the therapeutic and lethal dosages for these drugs.
Benzodiazepines decrease REM sleep to a lesser extent. Intentional and unintentional overdoses of benzodiazepines are often well tolerated and not fatal. There are transient hypotensive episodes with benzodiazepine therapy.