3a: Sedative-Hypnotics, Antianxiety, Antidepressants Flashcards
purpose of CNS drugs
to modify the activity of the neurons in the CNS, treat CNS disorders, and change the arousal levels of the CNS
neurotransmitters
released by neurons to cause excitation or inhibition to other neurons
examples of neurotransmitters in the CNS
ACh, monoamines, amino acids, peptides
mechanism of CNS drugs
modification of the synaptic transmission, which is done by altering the quantity of the neurotransmitter
two categories of Sedative-Hypnotics
benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines (both used to promote sleep, specifically in short-term situations like hospital stays)
benzodiazepines
used for anxiety and promoting sleep, considered safer than barbiturates (nonbenzos), less chance of lethal overdose, and can cause tolerance and physical dependence with long-term use
mechanism of benzos
increased inhibition at the CNS synapses that use GABA
side effects of benzos
drowsiness, decreased motor performance, hang-over effect, anterograde amnesia
suffix for benzos
(-am)
nonbenzodiazepines (barbiturates)
used for sleep-hypnosis, CNS depressants, very small therapeutic index, very addictive, not commonly used
mechanism of barbiturates
not entirely clear but do bind to GABA receptors
side effects of barbiturates
very addictive, drug abuse, hang-over effect
suffix for barbiturates
(-al)
other compounds that can cause sedation-hypnosis
alcohol, antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, opioid analgesics
pharmacokinetics of sedation-hypnosis drugs
very lipid-soluble, administered orally one dose at bedtime, absorbed from the GI tract, distributed uniformly throughout the body, metabolized in the liber, excreted through the kidneys
side effects of all sedative-hypnotics
tolerance and dependence, complex motor behaviors (sleep walking, sleep driving, etc.), GI discomfort, dry mouth, sore throat, muscular incoordination