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Questions and Answers
Chronic use of alcohol can lead to liver cirrhosis.
Chronic use of alcohol can lead to liver cirrhosis.
True
Alcohol is the newest and least used drug worldwide.
Alcohol is the newest and least used drug worldwide.
False
CNS depressants can cause respiratory or cardiovascular depression that may lead to death.
CNS depressants can cause respiratory or cardiovascular depression that may lead to death.
True
Tolerance is a symptom of substance dependence by DSM criteria.
Tolerance is a symptom of substance dependence by DSM criteria.
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Chloral hydrate is an example of a CNS stimulant.
Chloral hydrate is an example of a CNS stimulant.
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Antihistamines are not considered CNS depressants.
Antihistamines are not considered CNS depressants.
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Recurrent substance-related legal problems are a criterion for substance abuse.
Recurrent substance-related legal problems are a criterion for substance abuse.
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Behavior of intoxicated individuals is easy to predict.
Behavior of intoxicated individuals is easy to predict.
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Sedatives have a stimulatory effect on the CNS that increases nervousness.
Sedatives have a stimulatory effect on the CNS that increases nervousness.
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Hypnotics can induce sleep by calming the CNS.
Hypnotics can induce sleep by calming the CNS.
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Increased doses of a drug can lead to effects that vary significantly based on the amount consumed.
Increased doses of a drug can lead to effects that vary significantly based on the amount consumed.
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Benzodiazepines are primarily used for pain management and are not typically prescribed for anxiety.
Benzodiazepines are primarily used for pain management and are not typically prescribed for anxiety.
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Barbiturates are now favored over benzodiazepines due to their wider margin of safety.
Barbiturates are now favored over benzodiazepines due to their wider margin of safety.
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Amnesic effects of certain drugs can cause the loss of memory.
Amnesic effects of certain drugs can cause the loss of memory.
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The GABA neurotransmitter has an excitatory effect in the brain regions affected by benzodiazepines.
The GABA neurotransmitter has an excitatory effect in the brain regions affected by benzodiazepines.
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There are multiple types of benzodiazepines, distinguished by their duration of action.
There are multiple types of benzodiazepines, distinguished by their duration of action.
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CNS depressants are primarily safe when used for long periods.
CNS depressants are primarily safe when used for long periods.
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Bromides were used in the 1800s as a treatment for nervousness and anxiety.
Bromides were used in the 1800s as a treatment for nervousness and anxiety.
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Barbiturates were initially considered unsafe and problematic.
Barbiturates were initially considered unsafe and problematic.
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CNS depressants can cause dangerous drug interactions when used in combination.
CNS depressants can cause dangerous drug interactions when used in combination.
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Benzodiazepines were marketed as replacements for alcohol in the 1950s.
Benzodiazepines were marketed as replacements for alcohol in the 1950s.
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CNS depressants enhance the brain's level of awareness.
CNS depressants enhance the brain's level of awareness.
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In 1973, there were 100 million prescriptions written for benzodiazepines.
In 1973, there were 100 million prescriptions written for benzodiazepines.
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Sedatives are classified as causing severe CNS depression.
Sedatives are classified as causing severe CNS depression.
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Study Notes
CNS Depressants
- Also known as "downers," "minor tranquilizers," or sedatives
- Primarily based on sedative-hypnotic agents
- Commonly prescribed by physicians
- Can cause alarming and dangerous behaviors if not closely monitored
- Problems often stem from inadequate professional supervision
- Interactions with other drugs can be dangerous
- Can cause disruptive personality changes
- CNS depressants reduce central nervous system activity and awareness
- Examples of depressant drugs include benzodiazepines, barbiturate-like drugs, alcohol, antihistamines and opioid narcotics like heroin
History of CNS Depressants
- Attempts to develop CNS depressants (other than alcohol) began in the 1800s
- Bromides were initially used to treat nervousness and anxiety in the 1800s, but were later found to be toxic
- Barbiturates were introduced in the early 1900s, initially lauded for safety and effectiveness, but later problems with tolerance, dependence, and safety became apparent
- Benzodiazepines were developed in the 1950s as substitutes for barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines were relatively safe when used for short periods but long-term use can cause issues such as dependence and withdrawal
- Benzodiazepines were frequently prescribed for anxiety, stress and apprehension, reaching 100 million prescriptions in 1973—twice as many women as men
- As public health concerns emerged, the use of depressants declined
Effects of CNS Depressants
- Dose-dependent effects: low doses can act as sedatives (relieving anxiety and promoting relaxation), higher doses as hypnotics (inducing drowsiness and sleep), and even higher doses as anesthetics (used for patient management)
- CNS depressants lower awareness and CNS activity
Mechanisms of Action of Benzodiazepines
- Act on neurons that have receptors for the neurotransmitter GABA
- GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in several brain regions
- Alters mood in the limbic system
- Causes drowsiness in the RAS (reticular activating system)
- Relaxes muscles in the motor cortex
Types of CNS Depressants
-
Benzodiazepines (Valium-type drugs): used for anxiety and sleep
- Medical uses include relief from anxiety, treatment of neurosis, relaxation of muscles, alleviation of lower-back pain, treatment of convulsive disorders, induction of sleep, relief from withdrawal symptoms, and induction of amnesia
- Many types with varying durations of action (short-acting and long-acting)
-
Barbiturates:
- Played an important role as sedative-hypnotic agents
- Their narrow margin of safety and abuse liability led to their replacement by benzodiazepines
- Caused serious side effects, from nausea to death, due to respiratory or cardiovascular depression
Other Types of CNS Depressants
- Drugs with barbiturate-like properties includes chloral hydrate, glutethimide, methyprylon, methaqualone
- Antihistamines
- GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate)
Patterns of Abuse with CNS Depressants
- People prone to abuse CNS depressants often use them to relieve stress, paradoxically experiencing euphoria and stimulation which potentially counteracts the unpleasant effects of other drugs
- Mixing CNS depressants with alcohol or heroin potentiates their effects
- Detoxification involves eliminating the toxic substance (e.g. a drug) and its effects using a longer acting barbiturate to substitute the offending CNS depressant and gradually reduce the dose
Substance Abuse by DSM Criteria
- A pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant distress or impairment
- Criteria may include recurrent use, disregard of the substance's effects, recurrence of substance related legal issues, and using the substance despite negative outcomes
- Symptoms of substance use do not meet dependence criteria
Substance Dependence by DSM Criteria
- Symptoms include tolerance (requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect), dependence in withdrawal,taking more or longer than intended, unsuccessful efforts to control use, spending significant time on substance use or recovery, giving up or reducing important social/occupational/recreational activities, and using substance despite physical or psychological problems
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Description
Delve into the world of CNS depressants, including their history, usage, and potential dangers. This quiz covers the various types of sedative-hypnotic agents and their impact on the central nervous system. Understand the evolution of these drugs from the 1800s to the present.
