Sedatives and Hypnotics Flashcards
sedative vs. hypnotics
relaxation and sleep - difference depends on dosage
barbiturates
sedative-hypnotic
(phenobarbital)
- long acting, anti-convulsant
anxiety (in brain)
- amygdala: storage for memories; sensory signal will set off rxt for anxiety
- hippocampus: stores NT GABA
GABA
neurotransmitter that inhibits/slows the excitement of the nerve pathways
benzodiazepines
enhance action of GABA; anti-anxiety
diazepam - valium
miscellaneous anti-anxiety drug
buspirone (buspar)
miscellaneous sedative-hypnotic drug
zolpidem (ambien)
action of barbiturates, benziodiazepines, & misc
CNS depressant: skeletal muscle relaxation, sedative effect, anti-convulsant
uses of barb, benziod, & misc
- promote sleep/rest
- pre-op, diagnostic procedures
- anti-anxiety, convulsive states
- CP spasticity, decrease muscle spasms
- as adjuvant drug with pain relief
contraindications of barb, benziod, & misc
- serious resp disorders
- liver/kidney disease
- hx of allergies or drug abuse
ADE: barb, benziod, & misc
- serious: paradoxical rxn (hyper/opp effect)
- common: drowsiness, ataxia (unsteady gait), confusion
patient teaching: barb, benziod, & misc
- no alcohol, driving, machinery, smoking
- increase fluids and fiber
- store in a secure place
barb, benziod, & misc: tolerance
- mental: might like feeling and want to continue
2. bio/phys: takes longer to kick in
drug synergism effect
valium + alcohol = more than just additive effect
barb, benziod, & misc: abuse/withdrawal
- respiratory support, nasogastric lavage, IV fluids/diuretics
- withdrawal: need to gradual taper dose (more die from withdrawal than overdose)
