CNS insomnia/anxiety Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is the neurotransmitter associated with the cholinergic system?
Acetylcholine, involved in memory, learning, attention, arousal, and involuntary muscle movements
What cognitive condition is associated with decreased levels of acetylcholine?
Alzheimer’s disease
What neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the dopaminergic system?
Dopamine, involved in mood, motor control, and cognitive functions such as memory and learning.
Which disorders are associated with abnormalities in dopamine levels?
- Psychosis
- Parkinson’s disease
Dopamine imbalances can lead to various mental and motor disorders.
What is the role of GABA in the GABA-ergic system?
GABA suppresses neuronal responsiveness, preventing excessive firing.
What disorders are linked to GABA abnormalities?
- Anxiety disorders
- Seizure disorders
What neurotransmitter is associated with the noradrenergic system?
Norepinephrine, critical for alertness, arousal, and attention
What neurotransmitter is considered the major component of the serotonergic system?
Serotonin, influences mood, cognition, sleep, and appetite.
What are the effects of low serotonin levels?
Depression
What is the primary neurotransmitter in the glutamatergic system?
Glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, stimulating neuronal activity
What conditions are linked to decreased levels of glutamate?
- Cognitive disorders
- Mood disorders
- Depressive disorders
What is the role of histamine in the histaminergic system?
Regulates sleep-wake cycle, alertness, and arousal
What is the action of benzodiazepines?
Bind to GABA receptors to potentiate effects of GABA, enhance the inhibitory effects of GABA, leading to sedation and anxiety relief
What are common indications for benzodiazepines?
- Antianxiety
- Sedation
- Insomnia
- Anticonvulsant
- Alcohol withdrawal
Benzodiazepines are used for various therapeutic purposes, particularly in anxiety management.
What are some side effects of benzodiazepines?
- CNS depression
- Drowsiness
- Respiratory Depression
- Hypotension
- Dizziness
- Retrograde amnesia
- Paradoxical reaction
What is the reversal agent for benzodiazepines overdose?
Flumazenil
What are the nursing considerations for patients taking benzodiazepines?
- Monitor vital signs
- Assess level of consciousness
- Consider patient’s age
- Assess for alcohol/CNS depressant use
- Evaluate fall risk
- Mood & behavior assessment
- Taper drug
What is the mechanism of action of azapirones like buspirone?
Allows for more serotonin and dopamine binding
Buspirone has a unique action that does not cause sedation and has a lower risk of dependency.
What are the indications for buspirone?
Anxiety disorders
Buspirone is primarily prescribed for generalized anxiety disorders.
What are some minimal side effects of buspirone?
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
True or False: Buspirone can be taken on a PRN basis.
False
Buspirone requires consistent use for 2-4 weeks to achieve its full therapeutic effect.
