neuro drugs Flashcards
what are cns depressants ?
sedative hypnotics that are dose dependant
At low doses cns depressants will
calm the CNS without inducing sleep.
at higher doses cns depressants will
calm the CNS to the point of causing
3 groups of cns depressants
Barbiturates – rarely used d/t risks
Benzodiazepines
Miscellaneous drugs
cns depressants main effects
an inhibitory effect on the CNS to the degree that they reduce:
Nervousness
Excitability
Irritability
benzodiazapenes are either classified as
Sedative-hypnotic
Anxiolytic (medication that relieves anxiety)
Benzodiazepines commonly used as sedative-hypnotic drugs
Diazepam – Valium
Lorazepam – Ativan
Alprazolam – Xanax
Clonazepam - Klonopin
Benzodiazepines mechanism of action
Affect hypothalamic, thalamic, and limbic systems of the brain
depress CNS activity through binding to GABA receptors
Do not suppress rapid eye movement (REM) sleep as much as barbiturates do
Do not increase metabolism of other drugs
benzodiazepines are useful. in
controlling agitation and anxiety
Reduce excessive sensory stimulation, inducing sleep
Induce skeletal muscle relaxation
indications of benzodiazepines
Sedation
Sleep induction
Skeletal muscle relaxation
Anxiety relief
Anxiety-related depression
Treatment of acute seizure disorders
Treatment of alcohol withdrawal
Agitation relief
Balanced anesthesia
Moderate or conscious sedation
adverse reactions benzodiazepines
Headache
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Cognitive impairment
Vertigo
Lethargy
Fall hazard for older adults
“Hangover” effect or daytime sleepiness
overdose of benzodiazepines
Somnolence
Confusion
Coma
Diminished reflexes
Do not cause hypotension and respiratory depression unless taken with other CNS depressants
Flumazenil as an antidote
muscle relaxants
Act to relieve pain associated with skeletal muscle spasms
Majority are centrally acting.
but some Act directly on skeletal muscle
Similar in structure and action to other CNS depressants
indications for muscle relaxants
Relief of painful musculoskeletal conditions
Muscle spasms
Management of spasticity of severe chronic disorders
adverse effects of muscle relaxants
Euphoria
Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Fatigue
Muscle weakness
when using muscle relaxants, caution should be used when?
Caution with other CNS depressants
Benzodiazepines
Alcohol
toxicity of muscle relaxants
No specific antidote or reversal
Best treated with conservative supportive measures
If taken along with other CNS depressants
Adequate airway must be maintained
EKG monitoring
Administer fluids to avoid crystalluria
barbiturates
