Anxiolytics and Sedatives Flashcards
What do Anxiolytics do?
Calm and/or sedate
What are hypnotics?
Anxiolytics that promote sleep
What are anxiolytics used for?
anxiety and sleep disorders
What are the classifications of anxiety? (4)
Generalised; panic disorder; phobias; post traumatic stress disorder
Where do barbituates bind?
GABAa receptor
What is meant by low therapeutic index?
The amount of the drug needed to cuase an effect is very close to the amount o f the drug that would be toxic
Where are barbituates used?
Anaestheisia and treatment of epilepsy
Drug example of a benzodiazapine
Diazepam
Where do benzodiazapines bind in the CNS?
GABA receptors
What effect does binding of benzodiazapines have on the receptor?
holds ion channel open; makes cell more negative
What are benzodiazapines used for?
Reducing anxiety and depression; sedation; inducing sleep; reduce muscle tone and coordination; anticonvulsant
What is a benzodiazapine antagonist?
Flumazenil
Side effects of benzodiazapines
drowsiness; confusion; amnesia; impaired coordination
What are 2 limitations to long term use of BZ
Tolerance; Dependence
What is diazepam (Valium) used for?
premed for minor surgery
What is Clonazepam used for?
potent muscle relaxant for epilepsy
What is flunitrazepam used for?
potent deep sleep; date-rape drug
What does buspirone act on CNS?
partial agonist at the dopamine and 5-HT receptors
What effect does buspirone have?
little sedation, just anxiolytic
Antihistamine effect in CNS
sedation
Common antihistamine for sedation
phenergan
Why do anti-allergy antihistamines like telfast have no sedative/hypnotic effects?
they cannot cross the BBB
