GABA-A Receptor Subunit Architecture
The pentameric receptor mixes alpha, beta, and gamma subunits.
- 5: Subunit count (pentameric assembly)
- 6: Alpha subtypes (alpha1–alpha6 variants)
- alpha/gamma: BZD site (interface pocket)
- alpha1beta2gamma2: Main subtype (most common CNS form)
Subunit composition placeholder
Short placeholder describing subunit arrangement and pocket location.
Zolpidem — Selective Alpha-1 Binding
Z-drugs target the alpha-1 pocket, sparing other subtypes.
- alpha-1: Primary target (sedative subunit)
- ~2.5 h: Half-life (short acting)
- minimal: Anxiolytic effect (low alpha-2/3 affinity)
- high: Selectivity ratio (vs benzodiazepines)
Selective binding placeholder
Short placeholder on narrow alpha-1 selective pharmacology.
Diazepam — Broad Subunit Binding
Benzodiazepines bind broadly across multiple alpha subtypes.
- alpha1,2,3,5: Targets (non-selective)
- 20–100 h: Half-life (long acting, active metabolites)
- strong: Anxiolytic effect (alpha-2/3 mediated)
- present: Memory effect (alpha-5 mediated)
Broad binding placeholder
Short placeholder on non-selective benzodiazepine pharmacology.
Tolerance Development Speed Comparison
Benzodiazepines build tolerance faster than Z-drugs.
- slower: Z-drug tolerance (placeholder rate)
- faster: BZD tolerance (placeholder rate)
- receptor downregulation: Mechanism (placeholder)
- 2–4 weeks: Onset window (placeholder estimate)
Tolerance curve placeholder
Short placeholder comparing tolerance slope between classes.
Dependence Risk Profile Comparison
Long-term benzodiazepine use carries higher dependence risk.
- lower: Z-drug risk (placeholder estimate)
- higher: BZD risk (placeholder estimate)
- BZD > Z-drug: Withdrawal severity (placeholder)
- 2–4 weeks: Guideline duration (placeholder max)
Dependence risk placeholder
Short placeholder on cumulative dependence risk profile.
Short placeholder callout on tapering and clinical caution.