Pharm Quiz 3 (Exam 2) Flashcards
(122 cards)
What are the primary goals for sedative - hypnotic and anti anxiety drugs?
- relax patient
- Promote normal sleep
- decrease anxiety
What is the primary agent for sedative- hypnotic and anti anxiety drugs?
- Benzodiazepines
- Many others
What is the mechanism of benzodiazepines?
- Increase effects of GABA
- Bind to a specific receptor (GABAa receptor) in brain
What is GABA?
Inhibitory neurotransmitter that decreases excitation throughout the CNS
Diazepam (Valium) and other benzodiazepines used to treat anxiety and insomnia bind to specific GABA receptors in the CNS, and inhibit neuronal activity by (BLANK) the conductance of (BLANK) ions into the neurons
- Increasing
- Chloride
What are āZā drugs?
- Newer sedative hypnotics
What is the mechanism of Z drugs?
- Not benzodiazepines
- Still bind to GABA receptors in brain (alpha 1 subunit)
What is the mechanism of the new sedative - hypnotic drug, Eszopiclone (Lunesta)?
- Non Benzodiazepines
- Binds to GABA receptors (alpha 1 subunit)
What is the mechanism of Ramelteon (Rozerem) (newer sedative - hypnotic) ?
Melatonin receptor agonist
What is the mechanism of Azapirones (buspirone) (BuSpar)?
Stimulate serotonin receptors in CNS
What is a benefit of Azapirones?
- May decrease anxiety with less sedation and less dependence
What is a drawback of Azapirones (Newer antianxiety drugs) ?
- Slow onset
- Moderate efficacy
What is a benefit of Z drugs?
May produce fewer problems when stopped (less rebound insomnia)
What is the benefit of using antidepressants as anxiolytics?
- May have fewer side effects; less chance of addiction
T/F: Antidepressantās can not have a direct anxiolytic effect
- False (They can)
- Anxiety often occurs with depression so patients may need both types of drugs
- Paroxetine (Paxil) & Venlafaxine (Effexors) are examples
What are some adverse effects of sedative hypnotics?
- Residual (hangover) effects
- Anterograde amnesia
- Complex behaviors (sleep walking/ driving)
What are some adverse effects of sedative hypnotics and anti anxiety meds?
- Rebound effect (insomnia, increased anxiety)
- Falls
- Tolerance & dependence
What are some non- drug strategies that might complement and eventually replace drugs for sleep disorder/ insomnia?
- Regular exercise
- Decrease caffeines
- Establish pre bedtime routine
- Sleeping environment
- Dark, quiet room
- No TV, phone
- Soothing sounds (white noise)
What are some non- drug strategies that might complement and eventually replace drugs for anxiety?
- Regular exercise
- Try to identify & reduce source of anxiety
- Counseling, support groups
- Meditation, relaxation techniques
What are some rehab concerns of sedative hypnotics and anti anxiety drugs?
- Treat sxm not the cause
- Trade off: benefit vs sedation, risk of falls, possible long term on brain
What is depression?
- Most common mental illness
- Sadness that is incapacitating
What is the neurophysiology of depression?
Theory is it is caused by defect in CNS biogenic amines (Norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin )
What is the drug strategy for depression?
Increase/ prolong effects of amine transmitters
What are the types of antidepressants?
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)
- Serotonin Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI)
- Tricyclics
- MAO inhibitors
- Others