Overview of Sedatives and Drug Classes
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary distinction between sedatives and hypnotics?

  • Sedatives reduce anxiety, while hypnotics promote sleep. (correct)
  • Sedatives have no effect on sleep, while hypnotics are anxiolytic.
  • Sedatives promote sleep, while hypnotics reduce anxiety.
  • Sedatives induce drowsiness, while hypnotics calm the mind.
  • Which drug is categorized as a non-sedating anxiolytic?

  • Alprazolam
  • Zolpidem
  • Buspirone (correct)
  • Pentobarbital
  • Which class of drugs is commonly used for treating panic disorders?

  • Non-sedating anxiolytics
  • Barbiturates
  • Antihistamines
  • Benzodiazepines (correct)
  • What is a common characteristic of panic disorder episodes?

    <p>Acute episodes of severe anxiety with marked symptoms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which medication is a common benzodiazepine prescribed for anxiety?

    <p>Clonazepam</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does sedation at regular doses of sedative-hypnotics have?

    <p>Calms and reduces anxiety.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following disorders is classified under anxiety disorders?

    <p>Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do barbiturates function compared to sedatives?

    <p>They can cause hypnosis at higher doses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What common physical symptom is associated with panic disorder?

    <p>Tachycardia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following treatments is appropriate for panic disorders?

    <p>Antidepressants (SSRIs).</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism of action for benzodiazepines?

    <p>Facilitating the activity of GABA at various sites</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which class of medications is most commonly used in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

    <p>SSRIs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes a key characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder?

    <p>Chronic worry about future events</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do newer agents for treating insomnia differ from traditional hypnotics?

    <p>They do not significantly alter sleep architecture</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential consequence of long-term use of benzodiazepines?

    <p>Physical dependence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which symptom is NOT typically associated with hypersomnia?

    <p>Frequent sleep attacks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes the REM stage of sleep from other stages?

    <p>It exhibits an EEG pattern similar to that of an awake state</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which medication can provide a non-sedating alternative to benzodiazepines for anxiety treatment?

    <p>Buspirone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of memory impairment can occur with benzodiazepine use?

    <p>Anterograde amnesia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following medications is used in cases where benzodiazepines are ineffective during sedation?

    <p>Barbiturates</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary use of alprazolam (Xanax)?

    <p>Management of anxiety</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which benzodiazepine is specifically noted for its suitability in elderly patients?

    <p>Lorazepam</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant adverse effect associated with flumazenil?

    <p>Seizures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about barbiturates is true?

    <p>They directly increase chloride influx in the absence of GABA.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which benzodiazepine is commonly administered intravenously as an anesthetic?

    <p>Midazolam</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the mechanism of action of barbiturates?

    <p>Increase the duration of GABA receptor channel opening</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which benzodiazepine is specifically indicated for treating panic disorder?

    <p>Clonazepam</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the action of flumazenil?

    <p>Antagonist at benzodiazepine receptors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is true about phenobarbital among barbiturates?

    <p>It is slowly absorbed with a longer duration of action.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should benzodiazepine doses be adjusted to prevent seizures during withdrawal?

    <p>Taper doses gradually</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary therapeutic use for amobarbital?

    <p>Sleep induction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotic is known for a rapid onset and fewer adverse effects?

    <p>Zaleplon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does buspirone primarily act as?

    <p>Partial agonist at serotonin receptors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which sedative hypnotic option has been associated with a risk of less tolerance and dependence?

    <p>Zolpidem</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hydroxyzine is primarily used to treat which condition?

    <p>Mild anxiety</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an effect of melatonin in individuals traveling across several time zones?

    <p>Accelerates resetting of the biological clock</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors is true about long-term use of antihistamines?

    <p>Can develop tolerance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics from older benzodiazepines?

    <p>They only induce sleep without affecting REM.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a characteristic of thiopental?

    <p>Administered intravenously for rapid effect</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What differentiates Doxepin from other antihistamines in the context of sleep aid?

    <p>Approved for treating insomnia specifically</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Overview of Sedatives

    • Sedative-hypnotic drugs include two main categories: sedatives (calm and reduce anxiety) and hypnotics (induce drowsiness and promote sleep).
    • Regular doses cause sedation; higher doses can lead to hypnosis.
    • Some agents, like buspirone (BuSpar), primarily have anxiolytic effects without sedation.

    Drug Classes

    • Benzodiazepines: e.g., alprazolam (Xanax).
    • Barbiturates: e.g., pentobarbital (Nembutal).
    • Antihistamines: e.g., diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
    • Miscellaneous sedative-hypnotics: e.g., zolpidem (Ambien).
    • Non-sedating anxiolytics: e.g., buspirone (BuSpar).

    Classification of Anxiety Disorders

    • Acute anxiety.
    • Panic disorder: characterized by acute episodes with psychological and physiological symptoms, often responsive to benzodiazepines or SSRIs.
    • Phobic disorders.
    • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): involves obsessions and compulsions treated with antidepressants and psychotherapy.
    • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): chronic worry, managed with benzodiazepines short-term, SSRIs, and SNRIs.
    • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

    Panic Disorders

    • Manifest severe anxiety with symptoms like sweating and tachycardia, treated commonly with alprazolam (Xanax) and fluoxetine (Prozac).
    • Sense of impending doom is frequently reported.

    Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

    • Involves chronic worrying and fluctuating severity over time.
    • Benzodiazepines serve for short-term management; buspirone offers a non-sedating alternative.

    Sleep Disorders

    • Sleep is comprised of distinct stages, including REM (rapid eye movement) and slow-wave sleep.
    • Sleep latency refers to the time taken to fall asleep; decreased by benzodiazepines and sedative-hypnotics.
    • Drugs like zolpidem, zaleplon, and eszopiclone are preferred for insomnia due to less impact on sleep architecture.

    Other Sleep Disorders

    • Hypersomnia, narcolepsy, enuresis (bedwetting), somnambulism (sleepwalking), nightmares/terrors.

    Sedative-Hypnotic Drugs

    • Benzodiazepines are generally safer than barbiturates regarding overdose risks, with fewer adverse reactions.
    • Sedating antihistamines are less likely to be abused and are effective for mild insomnia and anxiety.

    Benzodiazepines

    • Examples include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), and midazolam (Versed).
    • They enhance GABA activity in the brain, facilitating sleep and reducing anxiety.
    • They can cause anterograde amnesia, affecting short-term memory formation without recalling past events.
    • Long-term use may lead to physical dependence, with withdrawal symptoms typically being mild but potentially severe when abruptly discontinued.

    Flumazenil (Romazicon)

    • Acts as a competitive antagonist at benzodiazepine receptors, reversing sedative effects.
    • Can cause seizures and other adverse effects; administered intravenously.

    Specific Benzodiazepine Uses

    • Alprazolam: mainly for anxiety and panic disorders.
    • Lorazepam: IV use for seizures and anxiety in elderly patients; effective for outpatient procedures.
    • Clonazepam: treats anxiety and seizures, has no active metabolites.
    • Midazolam: used as an anesthetic in medical procedures.

    Barbiturates

    • Lipid solubility affects onset and duration; highly lipid-soluble drugs act swiftly.
    • Bind to GABA receptors, increasing chloride influx; have a lower therapeutic index than benzodiazepines.
    • Used for insomnia and seizures, thiopental is an anesthetic.

    Antihistamines

    • Cause some sedation; not associated with significant dependence.
    • Common examples include diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine.

    Non-Benzodiazepine Sedative Hypnotics

    • Include zolpidem, zaleplon, and eszopiclone, noted for fewer side effects.
    • Melatonin is an OTC option that helps regulate biological clocks and is beneficial for insomnia.

    Non-Sedating Anxiolytics

    • Buspirone (BuSpar) works as a partial agonist at serotonin receptors, offering effects without sedation and minimal dependence risks; onset of action may take weeks.

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    Sedatives - Pharm Exam 2

    Description

    This quiz focuses on sedative-hypnotic drugs and their effects, including anxiety reduction and drowsiness induction. It covers various drug classes such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates, providing a clear understanding of their roles in sedation and hypnosis. Test your knowledge on the different agents and their specific uses.

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