Anxiety Meds

Question 1

Benzodiazepines - CNS depressants

Answer 1

- Drug of choice for generalized anxiety disorder. and Insomnia
bind GABA (a receptor which causes its Cl- channel to open, decreasing excitability of post-synaptic neurons in limbic system. (which is the portion of the brain associated with emotion, learning and memory.
- Benzodiazepines bind to GABA receptor and stimulate it to open chloride channels which are negatively charged. Goes into the area surrounding the neuron. If that neuron is surrounded by chloride it will be less likely to fire, and have an action potential. If it surrounded by positive ions it will be more likely to fire. Less likely to have thoughts or feelings of anxiety
- Dependence and tolerance develop after longterm use

Question 2

Antidote for benzodiazepines

Answer 2

Flumazenil

Question 3

Barbiturates

Answer 3

used less commonly because benzos are safer

• withdrawal can be fatal.
• same mechanism of action as benzodiazepines
• cross-tolerance: tolerance can promote tolerance to opioids and other CNS depressants.

Question 4

Zopiclone

Answer 4

• non-benzodiazepine CNS depressants
• sedative
• Binds GABA receptors, causing Cl- channels to open, leading to decreased excitability of post-synaptic neurons

Question 5

What class of drugs is used most commonly to treat alcohol withdrawal?

Answer 5

Benzodiazepines.
- monitor and assess alcohol withdrawal every hour
this drug makes their behaviour more manageable

Question 6

Tolerance

Answer 6

a person has diminished response to drugs due to extended use

Question 7

Dependence

Answer 7

the person has been taking a med for a long time and become dependent on the medication to function normally and will go into S&S of withdrawal when the drug is discontinues