chapter 13 (depressants & inhalants) Flashcards
sedative-hypnotics
category of depressant drugs that provide a sense of calm and sleep.
antianxiety drugs (anxiolytics)
medications that make the user feel more peaceful or tranquil by decreasing anxiety levels. previously known as tranquilizers.
inhalants
chemicals that produce breathable vapours. they produce euphorisant and depressant effects when sniffed or inhaled.
barbiturate
drug within a family of depressants derived from barbituric acid and used as a sedative-hypnotic and antiepileptic medication.
phenobarbital
long-acting barbiturate drug, usually marketed in generic form.
amobarbital
intermediate acting barbiturate drug. brand name amytal.
pentobarbital
short-acting barbiturate drug. brand name: nembutal.
secobarbital
short-acting barbiturate drug. brand name: seconal.
allosteric agonism
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.
REM-sleep rebound
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.
chloral hydrate
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.
methaqualone
nonbarbiturate depressant drug once used as a sedative. qualifies as date rape drug.
amygdala
brain structure in anterior temporal lobe that regulates fear, anxiety, and other emotions.
meprobamate
nonbarbiturate antianxiety drug and sedative. brand name: miltown. first marketed anxiolytic.
benzodiazepines
family of antianxiety drugs that also act on the GABAa receptor and prolong its opening time. ex: diazepam (valium), chlordiazepoxide, and triazolam.
chlordiazepoxide
major benzodiazepine drug for treatment of anxiety. brand name: librium or librax.
diazepam
major benzodiazepine drug for the treatment of anxiety. brand name: valium.
zolpidem
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.
eszopiclone
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).
busiprone
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.
beta blockers
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.
gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
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.
nitrous oxide
an analgesic gas commonly used in modern dentistry. aka laughing gas. blocks NMDA receptors (antagonist). no effect on GABA receptors.
whippets
small canisters containing pressurized nitrous oxide.
hypoxia
deficiency in oxygen intake.
ether
an anaesthetic drug first introduced to surgical practice by william t morton in 1840s. highly flammable. swallowed or inhaled.
acetone
chemical found in nail polish removers and other products. inhalation causes damage to mucous membrane of respiratory tract.
benzene
carcinogenic (cancer-producing) compound found in many solvent products, representing a serious health risk when inhaled. solvent in waxes, lacquers, paints.
hexane
dangerous compound present in many glues and adhesive products. inhalation of these products has been associated with muscle weakness and atrophy.
toluene
compound in glues, cements, and other adhesive products, inhalation of these products results in behavioural and neurological impairments.
triorthocresyl phosphate (TCP)
gasoline additive. inhalation of TCP-containing gasoline has been linked to spastic disorders and liver problems.
oil of mustard
additive in testor brand hobby-kit glues that produces nasal irritation when inhaled, thus reducing the potential for inhalant abuse.
