Questions and Answers
What are barbiturates?
What is the mechanism of action for benzodiazepine receptor agonists?
They interact with the same receptor site as benzodiazepines to induce sleep.
Benzodiazepines depress the CNS by binding to ________ receptors.
gamma aminobutyric acid
What are some common side effects of insomnia drugs?
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Somnambulism is a potential adverse effect of insomnia drugs.
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What should you assess before giving drugs for insomnia?
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
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What is the intended response for insomnia drugs?
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After giving drugs for insomnia, check vital signs and level of ________.
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What should patients avoid while taking insomnia medication?
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Study Notes
Barbiturates
- Derived from barbituric acid, barbiturates induce generalized CNS depression and sedation.
- Used historically as sedatives and anticonvulsants, they have a high potential for dependence and overdose.
Benzodiazepine Receptor Agonists
- A non-benzodiazepine class that binds to benzodiazepine receptor sites, promoting sleep.
- Examples include drugs like zolpidem and eszopiclone, utilized primarily for treating insomnia.
Benzodiazepines
- These drugs work by binding to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, enhancing GABA's inhibitory effects.
- Commonly prescribed for anxiety and stress, they have sedative and hypnotic properties.
Sedatives
- Medications that promote sleep by calming the brain and alleviating agitation.
- Often used in therapeutic settings to manage acute anxiety and insomnia.
Mechanism of Action for Insomnia Drugs
- Insomnia treatments either enhance GABA activity or function as GABA receptor agonists.
- They specifically depress certain CNS areas, leading to drowsiness and improved sleep onset and duration.
Intended Responses for Insomnia Drugs
- Successful treatment reduces insomnia and enhances sleep quality.
- Patients often experience a shortened time to sleep onset and prolonged sleep duration.
Side Effects of Insomnia Drugs
- Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
- These effects vary by individual and should be monitored during treatment.
Adverse Effects of Insomnia Drugs
- Risks include sleepwalking (somnambulism), potential for addiction, and overdose.
- Flumazenil is the reversal agent for benzodiazepine overdose; caution is advised as these drugs can reduce the seizure threshold.
Pre-Administration Considerations
- Conduct a thorough assessment of the patient's sleep patterns and insomnia specifics.
- Evaluate the patient's medical history, including any history of depression, falls, or pain.
Post-Administration Monitoring
- Vital signs and level of consciousness should be monitored for patients after the first dose.
- Assess for any changes in heart rate, blood pressure, signs of excessive sedation, or confusion.
Patient Education
- Advise patients to ensure a minimum of 4 to 8 hours of sleep opportunity before taking insomnia medications.
- Warn against mixing insomnia drugs with alcohol or other CNS depressants to avoid oversedation risks.
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Description
This quiz covers the classification of barbiturates and benzodiazepines as outlined in Pharm Chapter 28. Learn about their definitions, functions, and uses for managing insomnia. Test your knowledge with flashcards that focus on key terms and concepts in the study of these sedative-hypnotics.
