Psych Drugs- Hypnotics And Sedatives

Question 1

This long-acting benzodiazepine is the drug of choice for treatment of alcohol withdrawl

Answer 1

Chlordiazepoxide

Question 2

Benzodiazapines are sedative hypnotics. They promote inhibition of neurons by affecting the __________ receptors, causing an influx of ________ ions

Answer 2

GABA a
Chloride

Question 3

Which benzodiazepine is used in West Kent for alcohol detoxification/DT’s where there is a risk of seizures?

Answer 3

Diazepam

Question 4

MOA: Allosteric modulation of GABA a receptors, allowing for influx of chloride ions –> depressant effect on synaptic transmission

Answer 4

Benzodiazepines and “Z drugs”

Question 5

Maximum length of time benzo’s should be prescribed, according to NICE guidelines?

Answer 5

4 weeks

Question 6

Which of the three “core drug list” benzodiazepines is the shortest acting, with increased risk of dependency?

Answer 6

Lorazepam

Question 7

Indications for Lorazepam?

Answer 7

Short term use for anxiety (4 weeks or less)
Short term use for insomnia
Acute panic attacks
Status epilipticus

Question 8

Which Z drug commonly causes “taste disturbance,” or a metallic taste in the mouth?

Answer 8

Zopiclone

Question 9

Most common side effect of Zolpidem?

Answer 9

GI upset

Question 10

These drugs have a similar action to benzodiazepines, but are shorter-acting

Answer 10

Z drugs (Zopiclone and Zolpidem)

Question 11

Which prescription drug is recommended to manage insomnia in the over-55 age group?

Answer 11

Modified release melatonin
(3-10 weeks)

Question 12

Z drugs: treatment should be no longer than ___ weeks, with dosage reduction starting at 2 weeks

Answer 12

4

Question 13

Antidote for benzodiazepine overdose?

Answer 13

Flumazanil
(Caution in chronic users- can decrease seizure threshold and reduce effectiveness of seizure treatment)