Pharm Exam 2 Flashcards
What is the function of the Blood Brain Barrier?
Acts as a selective filter and protects CNS by limiting substances that enter the brain and spinal cord
The Blood Brain Barrier is crucial for maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system.
What causes the barrier effect of the Blood Brain Barrier?
The tight junctions that occur between capillary endothelial cells
These tight junctions prevent the free passage of substances and help maintain the integrity of the barrier.
What is the primary function of sedative hypnotic drugs?
Promote sleep
What calming effect do sedative hypnotic drugs have on patients?
Helps relax the patient
What are the two general categories of sedative hypnotic drugs?
Benzodiazepines and Nonbenzodiazepines
What do Benzodiazepines do?
Boost the effect on the brain on the brain’s endogenous inhibitory neurotranmitters (GABA);
- This also increases inhibation in spinal cord, producing skeletal muscle relaxation
Usually the PRIMARY drug used to treat anxiety due to their safety
What do Non-Benzodiazepines do?
Potentiate the inhibitory effects of GABA by binding to GABA a (alpha) receptors
Sedative-Hypnotic Drugs
What the Adverse Effects with the use of benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines?
- Hangover effect
–This can include drowsiness, confusion, or impaired motor function - Cardiovascular and Respiratory Depression
- Dependence (Withdraw may effect sleep)
Refers to residual effects after the drug’s active effects have worn off
Where are benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines excreted from the body?
Kidneys
The kidneys play a vital role in the elimination of these drugs
What are the Considerations for PTs with Sedative-Hypnotic Drugs?
Patients experiencing drowsiness or decreased motor performances are at a greater risk of falls due to the slowed reaction time, therefore utiliziing a gait-belt is important.
- Assess vitals is important before starting exercise to ensure vitals are within normal limits
What are the primary types of antianxiety drugs?
Benzodiazepines, Azapirones (Buspirone), Antidepressants, Beta adrenergic antagonist
This categorization includes various classes of medications used to treat anxiety.
What is the mechanism of action for Azapirones (Buspirone)?
Increases 5-HT (serotonin) effects in the brain. This is safer for long-term use
What is the efficacy level of Buspirone?
Moderate efficacy
This indicates that Buspirone is effective but not as potent as some other antianxiety medications.
How long does it typically take for medications to begin to work for depression?
2 to 4 weeks
This delay is due to the time needed for compensatory changes in the CNS.
Anti-Anxiety Drugs
What are the Adverse Effects for Benzodiazepine?
- Sedation
- Psychomotor Impairments
- Rebound Anxiety
What are the Adverse Effects for Azapirones?
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausa
- Restlessness
What are the PT considerations for Antianxiety Drugs?
Pt. experiencing drowsiness, dizziness, or decreased motor performance are at greater risk for falls, therefore a gaitbelt is important.
- Considerations must be taken when completing assessments with individuals under the sedative effects of these drugs
What are the primary classes of antidepressants?
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)
- Selective Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI)
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOi)
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA)
These classes of antidepressants differ in their mechanisms of action and side effects.
Anti-depressive Drugs
What do Selective Serotonin Re-Uptakes Inhibitors (SRRI) do?
SSRIs work by blocking the re-uptake of serotonin into the presynaptic terminal at key locations within the brain
Anti-depressive Drugs
What does Serotonin-Nonepinephrine
Re-uptake Inhibitors (SNRI) do?
Decrease Serotonin and norepinephrin uptake
Anti-depressive Drugs
What do Tricyclics do?
Blocks re-uptakes of amine neurotranmitters (Such as: Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake)
Anti-depressive Drugs
What is the Role of Monamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAO) for Bipolar Disorder Drugs?
This helps keep more transmitters in the synaptic cleft
Anti-depressive Drugs
What are the Adverse Effects for SSRI and SNRI?
- Arrhythmias and orthostatic hypotension (low risk)
- Anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, confusion, etc.)
- Serotonin Syndrome (Sweating, Agitation, Tachycardia, Tremors, rigidity, fasciculations, clonus)
Anti-depressive Drugs
What are the Adverse Effects of Tricyclics?
- Sedation
- Anticholinergic Effects (dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, confusion)
- Arrhythmia and Orthostatic hypotension