Questions and Answers
___________ are by far the most frequently prescribed CNS depressants.
benzodiazepines
What are 3 problems with CNS depressants?
Usually prescribed by a physician, second most frequently abused prescription drug, can cause very alarming and dangerous behavior.
CNS depressants are frequently used and abused in the US because of their ______ and _____ relieving properties.
stress, anxiety
Most people who are dependent on benzodiazepines obtain their drugs legally by prescription.
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CNS depressants are usually not obtained illicitly and self-administered but rather are prescribed under the direction of a physician.
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Potential CNS depressants, usually not preferred because of their narrow margin of safety are called ________.
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What are the most popular and safest CNS depressants in use today?
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Before the era of modern drugs, the most common depressant used to ease tension, cause relaxation and help forget problems was ________.
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What is the most commonly abused drug of all time?
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Attempts to find CNS depressants other than alcohol began in the 1900s.
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________ were introduced to treat nervousness and anxiety in the 1800s. They were very popular until their toxicities became known.
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In the early 1900s, bromides were replaced by ________ which were initially heralded as safe and effective, however problems with tolerance, dependence, and lethal overdoses soon became evident.
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In the 1950s the first ________ were marketed as substitutes for barbiturates.
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What three things were benzodiazepines routinely prescribed for?
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In 1973, 100 million prescriptions were written for benzodiazepines, and twice as many women as men were taking them.
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The CNS depressants are a diverse group of drugs that share an ability to ______ CNS activity and ______ the brain's level of awareness.
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What drugs that often cause CNS depression are used to treat allergies and are often included in OTC sleep aids?
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What are 5 examples of depressant drugs?
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___________ are the most frequently prescribed CNS depressants for anxiety and sleep. They have a wide range of therapeutic uses.
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CNS depressants used to relieve anxiety, fear, and apprehension are known as what?
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What is a drug that relieves anxiety called?
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What are CNS depressants used to induce drowsiness and encourage sleep called?
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What causes the loss of memory?
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Depressants are usually classified according to the degree of their medical effects on the body.
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_______ cause mild depression and relaxation.
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_________ are CNS depressants that encourage sleep by inducing drowsiness.
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The only difference between a sedative and a hypnotic effect is the _____ .
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What is a deep depression of the CNS used to achieve a controlled state of unconsciousness called?
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What state is characterized by loss of sensation or consciousness?
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All CNS depressants are not created equal.
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The same drug can cause different effects based on dose.
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Benzodiazepines enhance the activity of the ______ receptor and inhibitory system by activating benzodiazepine site (receptors).
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What is the term for the way benzodiazepines act?
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Study Notes
Benzodiazepines
- Most frequently prescribed central nervous system (CNS) depressants.
- Commonly used to relieve stress and anxiety, contributing to their frequent abuse.
CNS Depressants Problems
- Often prescribed by physicians, yet they are the second most abused prescription drugs.
- Can lead to alarming and dangerous behaviors among users.
Prescription and Usage Trends
- Majority of individuals dependent on benzodiazepines obtain them legally through prescriptions.
- Typically not illicitly obtained; prescribed under medical supervision.
Barbiturates vs. Benzodiazepines
- Barbiturates are potential CNS depressants but have a narrow margin of safety, making them less preferred.
- In the early 1900s, they were initially regarded as safe and effective before issues with tolerance and overdoses emerged.
Historical Context
- Alcohol was the most common CNS depressant used prior to modern medications for relaxation and anxiety relief.
- Bromides were introduced in the 1800s for nervousness and anxiety but were later found to have toxicities.
Benzodiazepines Development
- First marketed in the 1950s as substitutes for barbiturates.
- Considered safe for short-term use but can lead to dependence and withdrawal issues with long-term use.
- In 1973, there were 100 million prescriptions written, with double the usage among women compared to men.
Types of CNS Depressants
- Examples include benzodiazepines, barbiturate-like drugs, alcohol, antihistamines, and opioid narcotics.
- They are classified based on the degree of their medical effects on the body.
Classifications and Functions
- Sedatives relieve anxiety and apprehension; examples include anxiolytics.
- Hypnotics induce drowsiness and assist with sleep.
- Anxiolytics are specifically designed to relieve anxiety.
Mechanisms of Action
- Benzodiazepines enhance the activity of the GABA receptor system, providing their calming effects.
- The difference in sedative and hypnotic effects primarily lies in the dosage administered.
Anesthesia
- Deep CNS depression can induce a controlled state of unconsciousness for surgical procedures, ensuring patient comfort and memory loss of the experience.
True/False Overview
- All CNS depressants are not equivalent; the same drug may produce different effects based on the dosage used.
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Description
This quiz covers key terms and definitions from Chapter 6 related to CNS depressants, particularly benzodiazepines. Test your knowledge on the effects, prescription practices, and issues associated with these medications. Perfect for psychology students or those studying pharmacology.
