The Question is from neet-zoology , and it was created by the author T HARITHA

Question

A patient experiencing alcohol withdrawal exhibits tremors, anxiety, and insomnia.  Which drug is MOST likely to be prescribed to manage these symptoms, and what is its mechanism of action?

T HARITHA · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Alcohol Withdrawal Management
 **Related Topics**: GABAergic system, Neurotransmitter function,  Pharmacology of anxiolytics
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of the central nervous system, neurotransmitters, and drug mechanisms of action.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  Patient presents with alcohol withdrawal symptoms (tremors, anxiety, insomnia).
  We need to identify the most likely medication and its mechanism of action.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Identify the neurotransmitter system most affected by alcohol withdrawal.
  Reasoning: Alcohol withdrawal involves a disruption of the GABAergic system, leading to increased neuronal excitability.
  Formula/Rule:  None directly applicable, but understanding the role of GABA in reducing neuronal activity is crucial.
 2. Consider drugs that enhance GABAergic neurotransmission.
  Working: Benzodiazepines are known to enhance the effects of GABA, a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. This leads to reduced neuronal excitability and alleviates symptoms like tremors, anxiety, and insomnia.
  Key Point:  Other options target different systems and are not the first-line treatment for alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
 3. Determine the mechanism of action of the selected drug.
  Result: Benzodiazepines enhance GABAergic neurotransmission by binding to GABA receptors and increasing the frequency of chloride channel opening, hyperpolarizing neurons.
  Verification: This mechanism directly addresses the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal by reducing neuronal excitability.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A] :x: Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist, used in treating opioid addiction, not alcohol withdrawal.
B] :x: Disulfiram inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, causing unpleasant side effects when alcohol is consumed. It's used for alcohol aversion therapy, not acute withdrawal management.
C] ✓: Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for alcohol withdrawal because of their ability to enhance GABAergic neurotransmission. This reduces the symptoms of anxiety, tremors, and insomnia.
D] :x: Methadone is an opioid receptor agonist used in opioid detoxification, not alcohol withdrawal.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing alcohol withdrawal treatment with alcohol aversion therapy:  Disulfiram is for aversion, not managing acute withdrawal.
  2.Selecting drugs based on the addictive substance rather than the withdrawal symptoms:  The symptoms need to be targeted, not the addiction itself.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember that GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and alcohol withdrawal affects this system.
  2.Benzodiazepines are the mainstay treatment for alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

T HARITHA · Answer

Naltrexone; Opioid receptor antagonist

T HARITHA · Answer

Disulfiram; Inhibiting aldehyde dehydrogenase

T HARITHA · Answer

The correct Option is "Benzodiazepines; Enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission"

T HARITHA · Answer

Methadone; Opioid receptor agonist

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