Anxiolytics and Hypnotics Flashcards
Q: What is an anxiolytic?
A: A drug that reduces anxiety.
Q: What is a hypnotic?
A: A drug that assists sleep (also called soporifics).
Q: What are sedatives and tranquilisers?
Sedatives: Calming drugs that can be anxiolytic or hypnotic.
Tranquilisers: General term for calming drugs; “minor tranquilisers” refer to sedatives, while “major tranquilisers” refer to antipsychotics.
Q: What is the main brain region involved in anxiety?
A: The amygdala, which processes fear and emotional responses.
Q: What are the main classes of drugs used to treat anxiety?
Q: How do benzodiazepines work?
A: They enhance GABA-A receptor activity, increasing inhibitory signals in the brain.
What are the major risks of benzodiazepine use?
Dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
Tolerance over time.
Overdose risk, especially with alcohol.
Q: What is flumazenil?
A: A benzodiazepine receptor antagonist used to reverse benzodiazepine overdose.
Q: What are “Z-drugs” and how do they work?
Q: Why are Z-drugs preferred over benzodiazepines for sleep?
A: Zopiclone, zolpidem, and zaleplon are non-benzodiazepine hypnotics that bind to the GABA-A receptor.
A: They have a shorter half-life, reducing daytime sedation and dependence risk.
Q: What other drugs are used for insomnia?
Melatonin agonists (e.g., ramelteon, melatonin) – Regulate sleep-wake cycles.
Orexin antagonists (e.g., suvorexant) – Block wake-promoting signals.
Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, promethazine) – Cause sedation.
