Anxiolytics and Sedatives Flashcards
what do we mean by a drug labeled as a hypnotic?
induces drowsiness, decreases cognitive performance, allows onset and maintenance of sleep
what specific portion of the brain induces the “fight or flight” motor response?
striatum
what part of the brain induces the hormonal stress response?
hypothalamus
what portion of the brain is the center of emotion and memory of it?
amygdala
where is melatonin released from?
the pineal gland
what is the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)?
what does it regulate?
what activates the SCN?
the master clock in the hypothalamus
the pineal gland
light, so it stimulates the pineal gland to produce melatonin at night
what is GAD?
generalized anxiety disorder: excessive anxiety and worry most of the time
what is panic disorder?
discrete periods of intense fear
how do benzodiazepines potentiate GABA?
they increase GABAs ability to bind more tightly to their receptors. They do not increase efficacy
what is the main disadvantage of using SSRIs, SNRIs, and TCAs for anxiety?
slow onset of action
what is tyramine metabolized by?
MAO-A
why is excessive tyramine bad when using MAOIs?
you’re blocking the metabolism of tyramine. when it is elevated it can increase BP and cause a fatal hypertensive crisis
what NT does tyramine increase the release of?
NE
beta blockers can be used for which forms of anxiety disorders?
which two beta blockers are used?
performance or social anxiety
propranolol and atenolol
what symptoms in specific can beta blockers help with for anxiety?
physiological symptoms: palpitations, tremor, GI upset
what drug class is busprione?
5-HT1A agonist
buspirone is an effective treatment for anxiety without what other side effects?
no sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant properties
what does buspirones activity as a partial agonist at 5-HT1A receptors do in regards to sertraline?
it dampens sertraline release and decreases its firing rate
why is buspirone not a good treatment for acute anxiety?
it takes 2-4 weeks for its effects
what is the most common side effect of buspirone?
dizziness
what is buspirone’s active metabolite? what drug class is it? what is a major concern about its metabolite?
1-PP
alpha2 antagonist
can exacerbate panic attacks
why can antidepressants make people feel more anxious?
increasing serotonin can boost emotional activity
why do benzos lose efficacy overtime?
development of tolerance
how do sedative-hypnotic drugs treat alcohol withdrawal?
we can wean patients off alcohol dependence using these drugs to reduce withdrawal symptoms
