chapter 13 (depressants & inhalants)

Question 1

sedative-hypnotics

Answer 1

category of depressant drugs that provide a sense of calm and sleep.

Question 2

antianxiety drugs (anxiolytics)

Answer 2

medications that make the user feel more peaceful or tranquil by decreasing anxiety levels. previously known as tranquilizers.

Question 3

inhalants

Answer 3

chemicals that produce breathable vapours. they produce euphorisant and depressant effects when sniffed or inhaled.

Question 4

barbiturate

Answer 4

drug within a family of depressants derived from barbituric acid and used as a sedative-hypnotic and antiepileptic medication.

Question 5

phenobarbital

Answer 5

long-acting barbiturate drug, usually marketed in generic form.

Question 6

amobarbital

Answer 6

intermediate acting barbiturate drug. brand name amytal.

Question 7

pentobarbital

Answer 7

short-acting barbiturate drug. brand name: nembutal.

Question 8

secobarbital

Answer 8

short-acting barbiturate drug. brand name: seconal.

Question 9

allosteric agonism

Answer 9

when a drug enhances the action of an endogenous agonist at a receptor site separate from, but close to, the site of the endogenous agonist. alcohol and barbiturates are allosteric agonists at GABAa receptors.

Question 10

REM-sleep rebound

Answer 10

phenomenon associated with the withdrawal of barbiturate drugs in which the quantity of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep increases, resulting in disturbed sleep and nightmares.

Question 11

chloral hydrate

Answer 11

depressant drug that acts on the GABAa receptor. once used for treatment of insomnia in a failed attempt to solve the problems of barbiturates. highly reactive with alcohol and can severely irritate stomach.

Question 12

methaqualone

Answer 12

nonbarbiturate depressant drug once used as a sedative. qualifies as date rape drug.

Question 13

amygdala

Answer 13

brain structure in anterior temporal lobe that regulates fear, anxiety, and other emotions.

Question 14

meprobamate

Answer 14

nonbarbiturate antianxiety drug and sedative. brand name: miltown. first marketed anxiolytic.

Question 15

benzodiazepines

Answer 15

family of antianxiety drugs that also act on the GABAa receptor and prolong its opening time. ex: diazepam (valium), chlordiazepoxide, and triazolam.

Question 16

chlordiazepoxide

Answer 16

major benzodiazepine drug for treatment of anxiety. brand name: librium or librax.

Question 17

diazepam

Answer 17

major benzodiazepine drug for the treatment of anxiety. brand name: valium.

Question 18

zolpidem

Answer 18

nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic drug, first introduced in 1993, for short-term treatment of insomnia. brand name: sublinox. acts on GABAa receptors at same site as benzodiazepines.

Question 19

eszopiclone

Answer 19

nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic drug used for treatment of insomnia in us but not available in canada. similar drugs available. helps fall asleep AND stay asleep (longer half-life).

Question 20

busiprone

Answer 20

nonbenzodiazepine antianxiety drug that acts mainly as a 5-HT1a agonist. antagonist at D2, D3, D4 receptors. avoids lots of problems benzodiazepines have but takes a long time to start working.

Question 21

beta blockers

Answer 21

medicinal drugs that are traditionally used to treat cardiac and blood pressure disorders. also prescribed for people who have stage fright or anxiety regarding specific event.

Question 22

gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)

Answer 22

powerful depressant, often abused to introduce euphoria and sedation. when slipped into an alcoholic beverage without the knowledge of the drinker, GHB has been employed as sexual assault drug.

Question 23

nitrous oxide

Answer 23

an analgesic gas commonly used in modern dentistry. aka laughing gas. blocks NMDA receptors (antagonist). no effect on GABA receptors.

Question 24

whippets

Answer 24

small canisters containing pressurized nitrous oxide.

Question 25

hypoxia

Answer 25

deficiency in oxygen intake.

Question 26

ether

Answer 26

an anaesthetic drug first introduced to surgical practice by william t morton in 1840s. highly flammable. swallowed or inhaled.

Question 27

acetone

Answer 27

chemical found in nail polish removers and other products. inhalation causes damage to mucous membrane of respiratory tract.

Question 28

benzene

Answer 28

carcinogenic (cancer-producing) compound found in many solvent products, representing a serious health risk when inhaled. solvent in waxes, lacquers, paints.

Question 29

hexane

Answer 29

dangerous compound present in many glues and adhesive products. inhalation of these products has been associated with muscle weakness and atrophy.

Question 30

toluene

Answer 30

compound in glues, cements, and other adhesive products, inhalation of these products results in behavioural and neurological impairments.

Question 31

triorthocresyl phosphate (TCP)

Answer 31

gasoline additive. inhalation of TCP-containing gasoline has been linked to spastic disorders and liver problems.

Question 32

oil of mustard

Answer 32

additive in testor brand hobby-kit glues that produces nasal irritation when inhaled, thus reducing the potential for inhalant abuse.