CNS Depressants Flashcards
Sedatives
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
Hypnotics
Cause sleep
Much more potent effect on CNS than sedatives
Sedative can be a hypnotic if given in large enough doses
Three Groups of CNS Depressants
Barbiturates
Benzodiazepines
Miscellaneous drugs
Benzodiazepines
Sedative-hypnotic and an anxiolytic
Depress CNS activity
Affects hypothalamic, thalamic, and limbic systems
GABA receptors
Diazepam (Valium)
Long acting benzodiazepine
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Intermediate acting benzodiazepine
Midazolam (Versed)
Short acting benzodiazepine
Adverse Effects of Benzodiazepines
Fall hazard
“Hangover”
Drowsiness
Headache
Indications for Benzodiazepines
Acute seizure disorders Alcohol withdrawal Agitation relief Balanced anesthesia Moderate or conscious sedation
Flumazenil (Romazicon)
Antidote for benzodiazepine toxicity/overdose
Indications are sleepiness, confusion, coma, diminished reflexes
Benzodiazepine Interactions
CNS depressants (opioids, alcohol)
Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
First hypnotic to be FDA approved for long-term use
Barbiturates
Habit forming, low therapeutic index
Affects the brainstem/reticular formation
Not used often anymore except for seizures
Indications for Barbiturates
Sedatives
Anticonvulsants
Anesthesia for surgical procedures
PHENOBARBITAL
Toxicity and Overdose of Barbiturates
Leads to respiratory depression and CNS depression
No real antidote
Uncontrollable seizures: “phenobarbital coma”
SYMPTOMATIC AND SUPPORTIVE TREATMENT
MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRWAY