Benzos Flashcards
basic MOA of benzos
enhance the effect of GABA at the GABA
receptor
4 benefits of benzos
Anticonvulsant
Sedation
Sleepiness
Reduced anxiety
4 harms of benzos
Drowsiness
Sedation
Coma
Dependence
how to terminate status epilepticus seizures
IV lorazepam
IV diazepam
Rectal diazepam
Buccal midazolam
how does alcohol withdrawal cause side effects
acute effects of alcohol: GABAa receptor agonist, NMDA receptor antagonist- cells inhibited from firing
chronic alcohol: down reg of GABAa receotors, upreg of NMDA receptors- in the presence of alcohol firing rates are returned to normal
withdrawal- in absence of alcohol the balance shifts to excitation hence the physical symptoms
4 symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
CNS hyper-reactivity
withdrawal seizures
alcoholic hallucinosis
delirium tremens
Tx for alcohol withdrawal
benzos for symptom relief
pabrinex- B vitamins
supportive care e.g. fluid and electrolyte balance, nutrition
what benzo do we use for alcohol withdrawal
chlordiazepoxide
diazepam
lorazepam
what is the antidote for benzo overdose
flumazenil- not commonly used as may precipitate seizures and withdrawal
what benzo is used for sedation
midazolam
what benzo is used for sleep pills
temazepam
what are z drugs
Structurally different from benzodiazepines but work in
similar way
Developed to overcome some disadvantages of
benzodiazepines
5 symptoms of benzo withdrawal
insomnia anxiety tremor sweating confusion psychosis convulsions
