Exam 3 - Sedative-Hypnotics Flashcards
(40 cards)
Introduction to Insomnia…
Insomnia can be quite distressing to clients. It can disrupt a person’s ability to function the next day and may threaten a person’s physical safety, mental well being, and physical health.
4 examples of the cause/pathophysiology of Insomnia…
- Pain
- Night shift work
- Major life stressors
- Psychiatric illnesses (depression, anxiety disorders, etc.)
Another term for “sleep habits”…
Poor sleep hygiene
Common cause of Insomnia…
poor sleep habits/sleep hygiene
Clients suffering from Insomnia should…
- establish a bedtime
- avoid daytime naps
- limit caffeine use
- avoid bright lights before bedtime
- avoid alcohol
How does alcohol worsen Insomnia…
disrupts the sleep cycle…especially REM cycles…poor sleep quality
Clients with Insomnia exhibit signs/symptoms at night…
falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling refreshed by sleep
Clients with Insomnia daytime symptoms or signs…
daytime drowsiness, impaired mood, difficulty concentrating, memory problems
Before prescribing a sedative (or any medication…) we should…
perform an assessment to determine the cause or root of the issue
Example of an underlying cause of Insomnia…
depression or poor sleep habits…clients should work to correct these FIRST
Hypnotics are used ONLY as…
the last “resort”
try to correct behavioral or psychological issues FIRST
5 Medication options for insomnia…
- Antihistamines (Benadryl, diphenhydramine)
- Melatonin agents
- Benzodiazepines
- Miscellaneous Antidepressants
- Benzodiazepine-LIKE drugs
Most OTC sleep aids contain…
diphenhydramine
Mechanism of Antihistamines for sleep…
block histamine receptors in the brain causing drowsiness
A hormone the brain secretes when eyes are exposed to darkness…
Melatonin
Is Melatonin OTC?…
yeppers
Mechanism of Melatonin…
helps to regulate the bodies sleep-wake cycles…
“calibrate bodies clock”
Melatonin is classified as a…
dietary supplement…it has not been rigorously tested
A prescription-only medication that activates melatonin receptors in the brain…
Ramelteon
Difference of Melatonin and Ramelton…
Ramelton is more selective and does NOT activate MT3 receptors (receptor that does not promote sleep…Melatonin does activate this)
…making Ramelton a superior sleep aid
Ramelton does not cause…
addiction or withdrawal issues
Ramelton good for:
and bad for:…
good for: inducing sleep
bad for: nighttime awakenings (does not help you fall back asleep)
What are the miscellaneous antidepressants discussed in lecture…
Trazadone and Doxepin
2 points about Trazadone…
- has strong sedative properties
2. perscribed as a sleep-inducing agent
