What class of medications is commonly used for managing panic disorder that may increase overdose risk when mixed with opioids?

Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for managing conditions like panic disorder due to their fast-acting anxiolytic effects. They work by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, leading to reduced anxiety symptoms and providing a calming effect.

When combined with opioids, benzodiazepines can significantly increase the risk of respiratory depression, sedation, and overdose. Both classes of medications depress the central nervous system, which can compound their effects when used together. This potentiation is particularly dangerous as it can lead to life-threatening respiratory failure.

In contrast, while antidepressants, beta-blockers, and antipsychotics may also be prescribed for anxiety or panic-related symptoms, they do not share the same level of risk when used in conjunction with opioids. Antidepressants typically have a more stabilizing effect on mood and anxiety without causing acute sedation. Beta-blockers do not directly impact the central nervous system in the same way, focusing instead on physical symptoms of anxiety. Antipsychotics can have varying effects but are generally not first-line treatments for panic disorder and carry different risk profiles.