Psychopharmacology - Other Psychoactive Drugs Flashcards
3 types of drugs included in the “sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics” class
- Benzodiazepines
- Barbiturates
- Azapirones
3 benzodiazepines
PAMs:
1. Diazepam (Valium)
2. Alprazolam (Xanax)
3. Lorazepam (Ativan)
Benzodiazepine uses
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Alcohol withdrawal
Benzodiazepine mechanism
Increases GABA activity
Benzodiazepine typical side effects
Most common:
1. Drowsiness
2. Sedation
Others:
3. Weakness
4. Unsteadiness
5. Poor memory/concentration
6. Anticholinergic effects
7. Sexual dysfunction
8. Disorientation/confusion (older adults)
Benzodiazepine paradoxical side effects
- Excitability
- Anxiety
Chronic use:
3. Tolerance, dependence, withdrawals
4. Rebound anxiety
5. Depression
6. Anorexia
7. Delirium
8. Seizures
Benzodiazepine discontinuation
- Gradual tapering based on dose, half-life, length of time on medication
- Longer taper required for short half-life (Xanax, Ativan)
Benzodiazepine interactions
- Alcohol - depressant combo that can be lethal
- Blood pressure medication - excessive drop in blood pressure
3 barbiturates
TALs:
1. Thiopental (Pentothal)
2. Amobarbital (Amytal)
3. Secobarbital (Seconal)
Barbiturate uses
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- General anesthesia
Barbiturate mechanism
Enhances GABA activity
Barbiturate side effects
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Ataxia
- Cognitive impairment
- Paradoxical excitement
Barbiturate sudden withdrawal risks
- Seizures
- Delirium
- Death
Barbiturate interactions
- Alcohol - can be lethal
Azapirone example
- Buspirone (BuSpar)
Azapirone uses
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Other anxiety disorders
Azapirone side effects
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Headache
Buspirone (BuSpar) advantage
Does not lead to sedation, dependence, or tolerance
2 types of narcotic-analgesics (opioids)
- Natural
- Semi-synthetic/synthetic
4 examples of natural narcotic-analgesics (opioids)
INEs:
1. Opium
2. Morphine
3. Heroin
4. Codeine
4 examples of synthetic narcotic-analgesics (opioids)
DONEs:
1. Methadone
2. Oxycodone
3. Hydrocodone
4. Fentanyl
Narcotic-analgesic (opioid) mechanism
Mimic effects of body’s natural analgesics (endorphins, enkephalins)
Narcotic-analgesic (opioid) uses
- Pre-surgery anesthetic
- Pain treatment
- Heroin detox (methadone)