Mechanism of action |
Benzodiazepines bind nonspecifically to benzodiazepine receptors
BNZ1, which mediates sleep, and BNZ2, which affects affects muscle
relaxation, anticonvulsant activity, motor coordination, and memory. As
benzodiazepine receptors are thought to be coupled to gamma-aminobutyric
acid-A (GABAA) receptors, this enhances the effects of GABA by
increasing GABA affinity for the GABA receptor. Binding of GABA to the
site opens the chloride channel, resulting in a hyperpolarized cell
membrane that prevents further excitation of the cell. |