ICD-10 Specific code F51.5: Nightmares

Alprazolam, like other benzodiazepines, has a high affinity for the benzodiazepine binding site in the brain. It facilitates the inhibitory neurotransmitter action of gamma-aminobutyric acid, which mediates both pre- and post synaptic inhibition in the central nervous system (CNS).

Bromazepam is a pyridylbenzodiazepine compound with anxiolytic properties.

Chlordiazepoxide has anxiolytic and central muscle relaxant properties. It has little autonomic activity. Chlordiazepoxide acts as depressant of the central nervous system producing all levels of CNS depression, from mild sedation to hypnosis, to coma depending on the dose.

Chlorpromazine is a phenothiazine neuroleptic. Chlorpromazine has depressant actions on the Central Nervous System, with alpha-adrenergic blocking and anticholinergic activities. It has anti-emetic, anti-puritic, serotonin-blocking and weak anti-histamine properties and slight ganglion blocking activity.

Diazepam is a psychotropic substance from the class of 1,4-benzodiazepines with marked properties of suppression of tension, agitation and anxiety as well as sedative and hypnotic effects. In addition, diazepam demonstrates muscle relaxant and anticonvulsive properties. It is used in the short-term treatment of anxiety and tension states, as a sedative and premedicant, in the control of muscle spasm and in the management of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Hydroxyzine is a first generation antihistamine, a piperazine derivative, with antimuscarinic and sedative properties.

Meprobamate is a carbamate with hypnotic, sedative and some muscle relaxant properties. It is used for the short-term treatment of anxiety states, muscle tension and associated conditions where anxiety is present. In therapeutic doses its sedative effect rather than a direct action may be responsible for muscle relaxation.

Tiapride is an atypical neuroleptic which exhibits selectivity in in-vitro studies for D₂ and D₃ dopamine subtype receptors without any affinity for subtype receptors of the principal central neurotransmitters (including serotonin, noradrenaline and histamine).