Podcast
Questions and Answers
Alcohol is the oldest and least used drug in the world.
Alcohol is the oldest and least used drug in the world.
False
Chronic use of alcohol can lead to liver cirrhosis.
Chronic use of alcohol can lead to liver cirrhosis.
True
Sedatives primarily enhance excitability in the CNS.
Sedatives primarily enhance excitability in the CNS.
False
CNS depressants can cause positive effects on coordination even at high levels.
CNS depressants can cause positive effects on coordination even at high levels.
Signup and view all the answers
Anxiolytic drugs are used to relieve anxiety.
Anxiolytic drugs are used to relieve anxiety.
Signup and view all the answers
Dependence on CNS depressants is considered a psychiatric disorder.
Dependence on CNS depressants is considered a psychiatric disorder.
Signup and view all the answers
A great deal of time spent on obtaining a substance does not indicate substance dependence.
A great deal of time spent on obtaining a substance does not indicate substance dependence.
Signup and view all the answers
Hypnotics induce drowsiness and promote sleep.
Hypnotics induce drowsiness and promote sleep.
Signup and view all the answers
The same drug can cause the same effect regardless of the dose.
The same drug can cause the same effect regardless of the dose.
Signup and view all the answers
Only one criterion is needed within a 12-month period to show substance abuse.
Only one criterion is needed within a 12-month period to show substance abuse.
Signup and view all the answers
Benzodiazepines do not affect the GABA neurotransmitter receptors.
Benzodiazepines do not affect the GABA neurotransmitter receptors.
Signup and view all the answers
Antihistamines are classified among the types of CNS depressants.
Antihistamines are classified among the types of CNS depressants.
Signup and view all the answers
Barbiturates are still the primary sedative-hypnotics due to their broad safety margin.
Barbiturates are still the primary sedative-hypnotics due to their broad safety margin.
Signup and view all the answers
Alcohol can cause nausea and even death due to its side effects.
Alcohol can cause nausea and even death due to its side effects.
Signup and view all the answers
CNS depressants are also known as 'downers'.
CNS depressants are also known as 'downers'.
Signup and view all the answers
Barbiturates were introduced in the early 2000s as a safe alternative to benzodiazepines.
Barbiturates were introduced in the early 2000s as a safe alternative to benzodiazepines.
Signup and view all the answers
Long-acting benzodiazepines are typically classified as hypnotics.
Long-acting benzodiazepines are typically classified as hypnotics.
Signup and view all the answers
Anesthetics are used at low doses to assist with anxiety relief.
Anesthetics are used at low doses to assist with anxiety relief.
Signup and view all the answers
Long-term use of benzodiazepines can lead to tolerance and withdrawal issues.
Long-term use of benzodiazepines can lead to tolerance and withdrawal issues.
Signup and view all the answers
Seemingly unrelated drug groups have no effect on CNS depression.
Seemingly unrelated drug groups have no effect on CNS depression.
Signup and view all the answers
Bromides were introduced in the 1800s and were considered safe for treating nervousness.
Bromides were introduced in the 1800s and were considered safe for treating nervousness.
Signup and view all the answers
Disruptive personality changes can occur with the use of CNS depressants.
Disruptive personality changes can occur with the use of CNS depressants.
Signup and view all the answers
In 1973, 100 million prescriptions were written for antidepressants.
In 1973, 100 million prescriptions were written for antidepressants.
Signup and view all the answers
Sedatives cause a mild decrease in CNS activity and promote relaxation.
Sedatives cause a mild decrease in CNS activity and promote relaxation.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
CNS Depressants
- Also known as "downers," "minor tranquilizers," or sedatives
- Primarily based on sedative-hypnotic agents
- Problematic due to potential for dangerous behavior if not closely monitored and supervised
- Usually prescribed under physician direction
- Combination use may lead to dangerous drug interactions
- Potential for disruptive personality changes
- CNS depressant use can worsen pre-existing conditions and cause other health issues
- Symptoms can range from nausea to death, due to respiratory or cardiovascular depression
- Include benzodiazepines, barbiturate-like drugs, alcohol, antihistamines, and opioid narcotics
History of CNS Depressants
- Attempts to find CNS depressants, other than alcohol, began in the 1800s
- Bromides were introduced in the 1800s to treat nervousness and anxiety; highly popular but toxic.
- In the early 1900s, bromides were replaced by barbiturates, initially seen as safe and effective, but problems with tolerance, dependence, and safety became evident.
- In the 1950s, benzodiazepines were marketed as safer alternatives to barbiturates
- Relative safety (when used properly for limited durations)
- Long-term use potentially leads to dependence and withdrawal issues
- Benzodiazepines were commonly prescribed for stress, anxiety, and apprehensions. A very large number of prescriptions were written for benzodiazepines in 1973.
- More women than men were taking the medication.
Effects of CNS Depressants
- Reduce CNS activity and lower brain awareness
- Vary in effects based on dosage
- Low doses (sedatives): alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation
- Moderate doses (hypnotics): induce drowsiness and facilitate sleep
- High doses (anesthetics): can induce anesthesia and are used in patient management
- Amnesic effects can cause memory loss
Mechanisms of Action
- Benzodiazepines affect neurons with GABA receptors
- GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain
- Mechanisms of action vary depending on the specific CNS depressant but generally affect the limbic system, RAS, and motor cortex
Types of CNS Depressants
-
Benzodiazepines (Vallium-Type Drugs): Prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders. Medical uses include relieving anxiety, treating neurosis, muscle relaxation, lower back pain relief, treatment of convulsive disorders, inducing sleep, helping with withdrawal symptoms, and inducing amnesia. Many types available, differing in duration of action (short-acting hypnotics, or long-acting sedatives)
-
Barbiturates: Played a vital role as sedative-hypnotic agents. Now largely replaced by benzodiazepines due to a narrower margin of safety and higher potential for abuse. Severe side effects with potential for death associated with respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
-
Alcohol: Oldest and most frequently used CNS depressant globally. Low doses have a positive effect on the heart and circulation. Increased intake leads to diminished muscle control, coordination issues, double vision, flushed face, bloodshot eyes, and vomiting. Chronic use can cause liver cirrhosis. Intoxicated behavior is unpredictable.
-
Other Types: Drugs with barbiturate-like properties (chloral hydrate, glutethimide, methyprylon, methaqualone), antihistamines, GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate)
Patterns of Abuse
- Individuals experiencing continual stress are more prone to abuse of CNS depressants
- CNS depressants can paradoxically lead to feelings of euphoria or stimulation.
- Abuse may involve combining CNS depressants with other drugs (like alcohol or heroin) to boost the effects.
- Detoxification involves eliminating the drug and its effects gradually, often using longer-acting barbiturates to lessen the abruptness of the withdrawal.
Substance Abuse Criteria (DSM)
- Recurrent substance abuse in crucial life areas (work, school, home).
- Risky situations in which substance use puts the user in physical danger.
- Recurring legal issues connected to substance use
- Continuous substance use despite the presence of social or personal issues stemming from substance abuse.
- Symptoms do not meet criteria for substance dependence for this specific class of substance.
- DSM criteria for dependence include tolerance, withdrawal, taking greater amounts over a longer period intended, repeated unsuccessful attempts to control or cut down on using the substance, using significant time in substance-related activities, significant decrease in social, occupational, and recreational activities due to the substance use, continuous substance use despite the substance having significant negative implications on their physical or psychological well-being.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Explore the world of CNS depressants, including their history, classifications, and potential dangers associated with their use. Learn about various substances such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and the implications of misuse. This quiz highlights critical information for understanding these sedative agents.
