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Drug & treatment lookup

Drug cards

Quick-reference cards for the drug classes the team leans on: how each works, what it is first-line for, when it is contraindicated, and the adverse effects to watch. Educational reference only, not medical advice.

Mechanism of action

Binds an allosteric site on the GABA-A receptor and enhances the inhibitory effect of GABA, increasing chloride influx and calming neuronal firing.

Indication & first-line

Acute anxiety, seizures, severe alcohol withdrawal, and procedural sedation.

First-line for acute seizures and severe alcohol withdrawal. Short-term anxiolysis and procedural sedation.

Contraindications / caution

  • Severe respiratory depression
  • Myasthenia gravis (relative)
  • Acute narrow-angle glaucoma
  • Combined with opioids/alcohol (additive CNS depression)

Adverse effects

  • Sedation, confusion, falls (especially in the elderly)
  • Tolerance and dependence with chronic use
  • Dangerous withdrawal (including seizures) if stopped abruptly
  • Respiratory depression in overdose or with other depressants

Used for short, targeted windows because of dependence risk; never stop abruptly after chronic use.

Drug cards are condensed educational summaries. They are not dosing, prescribing, or medical advice. Real prescribing decisions require current guidelines and a qualified professional.