Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

How do anxiolytic medications alleviate symptoms of anxiety or panic?

1. By enhancing serotonin release

2. By blocking dopamine receptors

3. By inhibiting norepinephrine

4. By stimulating endorphin production

The correct answer is: By inhibiting norepinephrine

Anxiolytic medications primarily work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means that it helps to calm the neuronal activity. By inhibiting norepinephrine, which is also a key player in the body's stress response, these medications can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and panic. When the release or action of norepinephrine is reduced, the body's fight-or-flight response is less likely to be activated, leading to a more relaxed state. In contrast to the other options, enhancing serotonin release is not the primary mechanism of traditional anxiolytics, as these often target GABA rather than serotonin directly. Blocking dopamine receptors relates more to antipsychotic medications rather than anxiolytic effects. While endorphin production does contribute to feelings of well-being, it is not a direct mechanism by which anxiolytics alleviate anxiety or panic symptoms. Thus, inhibiting norepinephrine is a more accurate description of how anxiolytic medications function in managing anxiety.