Podcast
Questions and Answers
___________ are by far the most frequently prescribed CNS depressants.
___________ are by far the most frequently prescribed CNS depressants.
benzodiazepines
What are 3 problems with CNS depressants?
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.
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.
Most people who are dependent on benzodiazepines obtain their drugs legally by prescription.
CNS depressants are usually not obtained illicitly and self-administered but rather are prescribed under the direction of a physician.
CNS depressants are usually not obtained illicitly and self-administered but rather are prescribed under the direction of a physician.
Potential CNS depressants, usually not preferred because of their narrow margin of safety are called ________.
Potential CNS depressants, usually not preferred because of their narrow margin of safety are called ________.
What are the most popular and safest CNS depressants in use today?
What are the most popular and safest CNS depressants in use today?
Before the era of modern drugs, the most common depressant used to ease tension, cause relaxation and help forget problems was ________.
Before the era of modern drugs, the most common depressant used to ease tension, cause relaxation and help forget problems was ________.
What is the most commonly abused drug of all time?
What is the most commonly abused drug of all time?
Attempts to find CNS depressants other than alcohol began in the 1900s.
Attempts to find CNS depressants other than alcohol began in the 1900s.
________ were introduced to treat nervousness and anxiety in the 1800s. They were very popular until their toxicities became known.
________ were introduced to treat nervousness and anxiety in the 1800s. They were very popular until their toxicities became known.
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.
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.
In the 1950s the first ________ were marketed as substitutes for barbiturates.
In the 1950s the first ________ were marketed as substitutes for barbiturates.
What three things were benzodiazepines routinely prescribed for?
What three things were benzodiazepines routinely prescribed for?
In 1973, 100 million prescriptions were written for benzodiazepines, and twice as many women as men were taking them.
In 1973, 100 million prescriptions were written for benzodiazepines, and twice as many women as men were taking them.
The CNS depressants are a diverse group of drugs that share an ability to ______ CNS activity and ______ the brain's level of awareness.
The CNS depressants are a diverse group of drugs that share an ability to ______ CNS activity and ______ the brain's level of awareness.
What drugs that often cause CNS depression are used to treat allergies and are often included in OTC sleep aids?
What drugs that often cause CNS depression are used to treat allergies and are often included in OTC sleep aids?
What are 5 examples of depressant drugs?
What are 5 examples of depressant drugs?
___________ are the most frequently prescribed CNS depressants for anxiety and sleep. They have a wide range of therapeutic uses.
___________ are the most frequently prescribed CNS depressants for anxiety and sleep. They have a wide range of therapeutic uses.
CNS depressants used to relieve anxiety, fear, and apprehension are known as what?
CNS depressants used to relieve anxiety, fear, and apprehension are known as what?
What is a drug that relieves anxiety called?
What is a drug that relieves anxiety called?
What are CNS depressants used to induce drowsiness and encourage sleep called?
What are CNS depressants used to induce drowsiness and encourage sleep called?
What causes the loss of memory?
What causes the loss of memory?
Depressants are usually classified according to the degree of their medical effects on the body.
Depressants are usually classified according to the degree of their medical effects on the body.
_______ cause mild depression and relaxation.
_______ cause mild depression and relaxation.
_________ are CNS depressants that encourage sleep by inducing drowsiness.
_________ are CNS depressants that encourage sleep by inducing drowsiness.
The only difference between a sedative and a hypnotic effect is the _____ .
The only difference between a sedative and a hypnotic effect is the _____ .
What is a deep depression of the CNS used to achieve a controlled state of unconsciousness called?
What is a deep depression of the CNS used to achieve a controlled state of unconsciousness called?
What state is characterized by loss of sensation or consciousness?
What state is characterized by loss of sensation or consciousness?
All CNS depressants are not created equal.
All CNS depressants are not created equal.
The same drug can cause different effects based on dose.
The same drug can cause different effects based on dose.
Benzodiazepines enhance the activity of the ______ receptor and inhibitory system by activating benzodiazepine site (receptors).
Benzodiazepines enhance the activity of the ______ receptor and inhibitory system by activating benzodiazepine site (receptors).
What is the term for the way benzodiazepines act?
What is the term for the way benzodiazepines act?
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.
