benzodiazepines Flashcards
1
Q
what are the 3 benzodiazepines?
A
- diazepam
- alprazolam
- clonazepam
2
Q
alprazolam: indication
A
- generalized anxiety disorder
- anxiety
3
Q
diazepam: indication
A
- generalized anxiety disorder
- seizures
- muscle spasm, spasticity
- alcohol withdrawal
- anesthesia induction/preanesthesia
4
Q
clonazepam: indications
A
- seizures
- anxiety
5
Q
benzodiazepines: MOA
A
- potentiate the effects of GABA–inhibitory NT in the CNS
- enhance action by binding to receptor called GABA receptor chloride channel
- b/c they act by amplifying endogenous GABA, there is a limit to how much CNS depression benzos can produce
- why they are safer than barbiturates
6
Q
benzodiazepines: SE
A
- CNS depression: drowsiness, lightheadedness, incoordination, difficulty concentrating, confusion
- anterograde amnesia
7
Q
benzodiazepines: ADRs
A
- sleep related behaviors: driving, eating, calling ppl
- more common if drug combined with other depressants
- taper dose slowly
- paradoxical insomnia, excitation, euphoria, heightened anxiety, rage
- respiratory depression (especially if given by IV)
- abuse
- risk of congenital malformation in fetus (cleft lip, hernia, heart anomalies)
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8
Q
benzodiazepines: contraindications
A
- Hypersensitivity;
- Cross-sensitivity with other benzodiazepines may exist;
- Pre-existing CNS depression;
- Severe uncontrolled pain;
- Obstructive sleep apnea or pulmonary disease;
- pregnant or breast feeding
9
Q
benzodiazepines: nursing implications
A
- need to use caution if administering IV b/c can cause severe respiratory depression
- caution pt in using other respiratory depressants like alcohol and other benzos
- do not d/c abruptly
- DO NOT use grapefruit juice
- monitor CBC, liver/renal function during long term therapy
- take w/ food if GI upset occurs
- instruct pt to notify provider if sleep related behaviors occur or if paradoxical effects occur
