Sleep Disorders Flashcards
What drug class do most hypnotics and anxiolytics fall into?
Benzodiazepines.
What side effects are most hypnotics and anxiolytics associated with?
Sedation, dependence, tolerance.
Due to their risk for dependence and tolerance, when should benzodiazepines be used?
For short courses to alleviate acute conditions.
Give some examples of hypnotics used for the treatment of sleep disorders.
Benzodiazepines, z-drugs (zaleplon, zolpidem, zopiclone), chlormethiazole, promethazine, melatonin.
Give some examples of anxiolytics used for the treatment of sleep disorders.
Benzodiazepines, buspirone, meprobamate, barbiturates.
Gradual withdrawal of drugs used in the treatment of sleep disorders helps to avoid a patient experiencing which symptoms?
Confusion, convulsions, toxic psychosis.
How soon after stopping a long-acting benzodiazepine may withdrawal symptoms be seen?
Up to 3 weeks.
How soon after stopping a short-acting benzodiazepine may withdrawal symptoms be seen?
Days.
What are the symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome?
Insomnia, anxiety, loss of body weight and appetite, tremor, perspiration.
When are barbiturates indicated for the treatment of insomnia and in which specific patient group?
For the treatment of severe intractable insomnia in patients already taking barbiturates. They should be avoided in the elderly.
When are benzodiazepines indicated for the treatment of anxiety?
The short-term relief (two to four weeks) relief of anxiety that is severe or disabling, occurring with or without insomnia.
What would be an inappropriate use of benzodiazepines in the treatment of anxiety?
Use to treat shirt term mild anxiety.
When should benzodiazepines be used to treat insomnia?
When it is severe, disabling, or causing the patient extreme distress.
What are the two types of benzodiazepines?
Short acting and longer acting.
Give some short acting benzodiazepines (TOLLL).
Temazepam, oxazepam, loprazolam, lormetazepam, lorazepam.
