CNS Depressants & Muscle Relaxants Flashcards
benzodiazepines
a chemical category of drugs most frequently prescribed as anxiolytic drugs and less frequently as sedative-hypnotic agents
barbiturates
a class of drugs that are chemical derivatives of barbituric acid; they are used to induce sedation
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter found in the brain; a key compound affected by sedative, anxiolytic, psychotropic, and muscle-relaxing medications
hypnotics
drugs that, when given at low to moderate dosages, calm or soothe the central nervous system (CNS) without inducing sleep but when given at high dosages cause sleep
non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep
the largest portion of the sleep cycle; it has four stages and precedes REM sleep; most of a normal sleep cycle consists of non-REM sleep
rapid eye movement (REM)
one of the stages of the sleep cycle; some of the characteristics of REM sleep are rapid movement of the eyes, vivid dreams, and irregular breathing
REM interference
a drug-induced reduction of REM sleep time
REM rebound
excessive REM sleep following discontinuation of a sleep-altering drug
sedatives
drugs that have an inhibitory effect on the CNS to a degree that they reduce nervousness, excitability, and irritability without causing sleep
sedative-hypnotics
drugs that can act in the body either as sedatives or as hypnotics
sleep
a transient, reversible, and periodic state of rest in which there is a decrease in physical activity and consciousness
sleep architecture
the structure of the various elements involved in the sleep cycle, including normal and abnormal patterns of sleep
therapeutic index
the ratio between the toxic and therapeutic concentrations of a drug; if the index is low, the difference between the therapeutic and toxic drug concentrations is small, and use of the drug is more hazardous
sedative-hypnotic benzodiazepines and miscellaneous drugs: long-acting
clonazepam [Klonopin], diazepam [Valium], flurazepam [Dalmane]
sedative-hypnotic benzodiazepines and miscellaneous drugs: intermediate-acting
alprazolam [Xanax], lorazepam [Ativan], temazepam [Restoril]
sedative-hypnotic benzodiazepines and miscellaneous drugs: short-acting
eszopiclone* [Lunesta], midazolam [Versed], ramelteon* [Rozerem], triazolam [Halcion], zaleplon* [Sonata], zolpidem* [Ambien]
sedative-hypnotic barbiturates: ultrashort-acting
methohexital [Brevital], thiopental [Pentothal]
sedative-hypnotic barbiturates: short-acting
pentobarbital [Nembutal], seconarbital [Seconal]
sedative-hypnotic barbiturates: intermediate-acting
butabarbital [Butisol]
sedative-hypnotic barbiturates: long-acting
phenobarbital [Generic], mephobarbital [Mebaral]
barbiturates adverse effects: cardiovascular system
vasodilation and hypotension, especially if given too rapidly
barbiturates adverse effects: gastrointestinal system
nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation
barbiturates adverse effects: haematologic
agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia
barbiturates adverse effects: nervous system
drowsiness; lethargy; vertigo
