CNS Depressants Flashcards

1
Q

Sedatives

A

Drugs that have an inhibitory effect on the CNS to the degree that they reduce nervousness, excitability, and/or irritability
Low doses calm the CNS
High doses cause sleep

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2
Q

Hypnotics

A

Cause sleep
Much more potent effect on CNS than sedatives
Sedative can be a hypnotic if given in large enough doses

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3
Q

Three Groups of CNS Depressants

A

Barbiturates
Benzodiazepines
Miscellaneous drugs

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4
Q

Benzodiazepines

A

Sedative-hypnotic and an anxiolytic
Depress CNS activity
Affects hypothalamic, thalamic, and limbic systems
GABA receptors

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5
Q

Diazepam (Valium)

A

Long acting benzodiazepine

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6
Q

Lorazepam (Ativan)

A

Intermediate acting benzodiazepine

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7
Q

Midazolam (Versed)

A

Short acting benzodiazepine

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8
Q

Adverse Effects of Benzodiazepines

A

Fall hazard
“Hangover”
Drowsiness
Headache

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9
Q

Indications for Benzodiazepines

A
Acute seizure disorders
Alcohol withdrawal
Agitation relief
Balanced anesthesia
Moderate or conscious sedation
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10
Q

Flumazenil (Romazicon)

A

Antidote for benzodiazepine toxicity/overdose

Indications are sleepiness, confusion, coma, diminished reflexes

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11
Q

Benzodiazepine Interactions

A

CNS depressants (opioids, alcohol)

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12
Q

Eszopiclone (Lunesta)

A

First hypnotic to be FDA approved for long-term use

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13
Q

Barbiturates

A

Habit forming, low therapeutic index
Affects the brainstem/reticular formation
Not used often anymore except for seizures

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14
Q

Indications for Barbiturates

A

Sedatives
Anticonvulsants
Anesthesia for surgical procedures
PHENOBARBITAL

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15
Q

Toxicity and Overdose of Barbiturates

A

Leads to respiratory depression and CNS depression
No real antidote
Uncontrollable seizures: “phenobarbital coma”
SYMPTOMATIC AND SUPPORTIVE TREATMENT
MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRWAY

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16
Q

Drug Interactions of Barbiturates

A
Addictive effects (alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids)
Inhibited metabolism (MAOIs)
Increased metabolism (reduced anticoagulant response)
17
Q

Muscle Relaxants

A
Act to relieve pain associated with skeletal muscle spasms
Centrally acting (CNS) or direct acting (skeletal muscle)
Work best when used along with physical therapy
18
Q

Common Muscle Relaxants

A

Cylobenzaprine (Flexeril)

Carisoprodol (Soma)

19
Q

Adverse Effects of Muscle Relaxants

A

Euphoria, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, muscle weakness

20
Q

Nursing Implications

A

Instruct patients to avoid alcohol, obtain vital signs, give hypnotics 30-60 minutes before bedtime, safety measures, monitor for therapeutic effects