Mechanism of Action of Benzodiazepines

flowchart TD
    A[Benzodiazepine administered] --> B[Crosses blood-brain barrier]
    B --> C[Binds benzodiazepine site on GABA-A receptor]
    C --> D[Binding site lies between alpha and gamma subunits]
    D --> E[Positive allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptor]
    E --> F{Is GABA present?}

    F -->|Yes| G[Enhances GABA action]
    F -->|No| H[No significant chloride-channel opening]
    
    G --> I[Increases FREQUENCY of chloride channel opening]
    I --> J[Increased chloride influx into neuron]
    J --> K[Membrane hyperpolarization]
    K --> L[Reduced neuronal excitability]
    
    L --> M[Clinical effects]
    M --> M1[Anxiolysis]
    M --> M2[Sedation and hypnosis]
    M --> M3[Anticonvulsant effect]
    M --> M4[Skeletal muscle relaxation]
    M --> M5[Anterograde amnesia]