Week 8 - CNS Anxiolytics and hypnotics Flashcards
What are the effects of anxiolytics?
Calm and/or sedate
What are the effects of hypnotics?
anxiolytics that promote sleep
What are the 4 main types of anxiety disorders?
- Generalised
- Panic disorders
- Phobias
- PTSD
Describe Generilsed anxiety.
Excessive anxiety without clear focus or reason
Define Panic disorder
overwhelming ‘paralytic’ fear
with somatic symptoms
What are phobias?
Specific triggers - flying, closed spaces
When does anxiety become clinically relevant?
When it interfers with normal productive activities
What are 4 main functional classes of anxiolytics?
- Benzodiazepines
- 5-HT transmission modulators
- Adrenoceptor atagonists
- others
What are the mechanism of action and example of Benzodiazepines?
-Binds to GABA receptors in the CNS = increasing the inhibitory action of GABA
Eg. Diazepam
What are the effects of Benzodiazepines?
- Reduce anxiety and agression
- Sedate and induce sleep
- Reduce muscle tone and coordination
- Anticonvulsant
What is the pharmacokinetics of benzodiazepines?
- Given Orally
- A lipophilic drug
- Inactivated by glucuronidation
- Metabolites more active
What are the side-effects of Benzodiazepines?
-Drowsiness, confusion, amnesia and impaired coordination.
What are the two limitations of Benzodiazepines?
- Tolerance = need more to produce same effect
- Dependance = Rebound enhanced after cessation
What are the rebound symptoms of benzodiazepines and for how long after start of treatment?
Tremors, dizziness, anorexia, convulsions
- occurs after weeks to months of treatment
What are some examples and uses of benzodiazepines?
Dizaepam (Valium) - premed for minor surgery Clonazepam (Klonopin) -potent muscle relaxant used in epilepsy Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) - Potent, tastless, deep sleep >20mins - used as a date rape drug
