Mechanism of action
These drugs are widely employed as sedatives, hypnotics and anxiolytics. The incidence of adverse effect is low but benzodiazepines have abuse potential. Benzodiazepines when administered cause sedation, hypnosis, muscle relaxation, relieve anxiety and some have anticonvulsant action. Benzodiazepine exert their pharmacological effects mainly by potentiation of neural inhibitation in CNS which is mediated by GABA.