BZRA
Medical abbreviation · Drug Class
| Stands for | Benzodiazepine receptor agonist |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
BZRA stands for Benzodiazepine receptor agonist, a drug class abbreviation.
Group of sleep drugs acting at the benzodiazepine site of the GABA-A receptor, including benzodiazepines and the "Z-drugs" zolpidem, zaleplon and eszopiclone. In insomnia literature, BZRA usually refers mainly to the Z-drugs.
Example: Taper BZRA (zolpidem 10 mg) over 8 weeks with CBT-I support.
Usage notes
In 2019 the FDA added a boxed warning to the Z-drugs after reports of serious injuries and deaths from complex sleep behaviors such as sleepwalking and sleep-driving. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is recommended before BZRAs. Older adults face higher risks of falls and confusion, so the Beers Criteria advise avoidance.
Related abbreviations
More drug class abbreviations
- BAS – Bile acid sequestrant
- BB – Beta-blocker
- BiTE – Bispecific T-cell engager
- BL/BLI – Beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor
- BTKi – Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor
- BZD – Benzodiazepine
- CAI – Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
- CCB – Calcium channel blocker
- CDK4/6i – Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor
- CNI – Calcineurin inhibitor
- COC – Combined oral contraceptive
- COX-2 – Cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitor
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.