Lecture 16: Nerves V – Hypnotics and anxiolytics

Question 1

*Give an overview of what is meant by anxiety and hypnosis

Answer 1

ANXIETY = is an unpleasant state of tension, apprehension or uneasiness – a fear that seems to arise from an unknown source. The symptoms of severe anxiety are similar to those of fear (such as tachycardia, sweating, trembling and palpitations) and involve sympathetic activation.

HYPNOSIS = the induction of a state of consciousness in which a person apparently loses the power of voluntary action and is highly responsive to suggestion or direction. Its use in therapy, typically to recover suppressed memories or to allow modification of behaviour, has been revived but is still controversial.

Question 2

*Compare and contrast, with examples, excitatory and inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitters

Answer 2

Amino acid neurotransmitters fall into 2 classes

1. Excitatory amino acids such as GLUTAMATE and ASPARTATE
2. Inhibitory amino acids such a GABA and GLYCINE

Stimulation of EXCITATORY neurons causes a depolarisation in the postsynaptic membrane causing generation of an action potential

Stimulation of INHIBITORY neurons causes a movement of ions that results in hyperpolarisation of the postsynaptic membrane and generation of inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSP). Thus GABA or glycine bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane causing an influx of K+
and Cl- which moves the postsynaptic potential away from its firing potential, diminishing the generation of action potentials.

Question 3

*Describe the relationship between GABA and BZPs

Answer 3

k

Question 4

*Describe the actions, of BZPs.

Answer 4

BZPs have neither antipsychotic or analgesic action and they do not affect the autonomic nervous system.

1. Reduction of anxiety
2. Sedative & hypnotic actions
3. Anterograde amnesia
4. Anticonvulsant
5. Muscle relaxants

Question 5

*Describe in detail, the actions, therapeutic uses and adverse reactions of zolpidem.

Answer 5

j

Question 6

*Describe in detail, the actions, therapeutic uses and adverse reactions of buspirone.

Answer 6

c

Question 7

*Describe, with examples, in detail, the actions, therapeutic uses and adverse reactions of the barbiturates.

Answer 7

k

Question 8

*Describe in detail, the actions, therapeutic uses and adverse reactions of chloral hydrate.

Answer 8

j

Question 9

*Describe therapeutic uses of BZPs.

Answer 9

1. Anxiety disorders
2. Muscular disorders
3. Amnesia
4. Seizures
5. Sleep disorders

Question 10

*Describe adverse reactions of BZPs.

Answer 10

• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Ataxia
• Cognitive impairment
• physiological and psychological dependence if high doses over long time => withdrawal = confusion, anxiety, agitation, restlessness and insomnia.

Question 11

*Describe in detail, the actions, therapeutic uses and adverse reactions of flumazenil.

Answer 11

f

Question 12

what are some common BZPs

Answer 12

Flurazepam
Diazepam
Triazolam
Temazepam