module 3 Flashcards
(140 cards)
what is the general mechanism of sedative hypnotics
an increase in the GABA neurons which will decrease glutamate firing
explain GABA signalling
GABA can open select chloride channels which will release chloride ions which will make it harder for post synaptic neurons to transmit incoming signals , diminishing CNS signalling
explain the binding of sedative hypnotics to chloride
- modulate ion channel in brain or spinal chord , however each different drug will bind to a different site on the chloride channel –> enhance inhibitory effect of GABA
therapeutic effects of Benzodiazepines
relaxation , calmness, relief of anxiety and tension , decrease in REM type sleep, relation of skeletal muscles , some can be effective hypnotics
administration of benzodiazepines
taken as a tablet or capsule however could be intravenous
mechanism of action of benzodiazepines
increase the frequency of opening of chloride channel
how are benzodiazepines lethal ?
commonly involved in overdose, death can occur when large amounts are used or when taken with other sedation drugs
what is the antidote for benzodiazepines ?
flumazenil which is a receptor antagonist which will block the effects of benzodiazepine , can be used to reverse the effects (overdose )
short term adverse effects of benzodiazepines
CNS - fatigue, impairment of thinking and memory
LUNGS- respiratory depression
MOTOR COORDINATION- moderate doses can impair driving and motor coordination , will get worse as dose gets larger
Adverse long term use of benzodiazepines
varies with the individual, others will demonstrate symptoms of chronic sedative - hypnotic intoxication ( impaired thinking, disorientation , poor memory
benzodiazepines and pregnancy
result in fetal abnormalities if administered within the first trimester - also found in breast milk, could result in infant death
elderly and benzodiazepines
can produce cognitive dysfunction in older adults , are metabolized more slowly and cold result in over sedation
potential for misuse with benzodiazepines
have weaker reinforcing properties , with low harmfulness ( won’t lead to death on its own )
tolerance to benzodiazepines
can develop for the sedative effects and impairment coordination , level of tolerance is very low. ( cross tolerance can occur with other sedative drugs )
short and long term withdrawal of benzodiazepines
with therapeutic use, there is mild withdrawal symptoms ( headache ), chronic use , there are worse symptoms, such as paranoia, agitation and seizures
addiction to benzodiazepines
can occur however depends on environmental factors and genetics
Barbiturates
class of sedative hypnotics that are grouped by their duration of effect , long, short or ultra short. Barbituric acid is the base
Mechanism of barbiturates
increases the duration of of the opening of the chloride channel
low doses of barbiturates cause
tranquility and relaxation , and possibly induce sleep
short and ultra short barbiturates can be used for
induce anaesthesia
barbiturates have been replaced because ?
low therapeutic index and possibly could cause death ( depression of respiration , especially with alcohol, dose depend on person and there is no antidote
effects of short term barbiturate use
- mild euphoria, dizziness, mild impairment of motor coordination,
high doses, depresses cardiovascular system , slowing heart and blood pressure
long term effects of barbiturate use
chronic inebriation - impaired memory , judgement, and thinking
adverse effects of barbiturates
suppress the REM sleep