| Term 
 
        | Selective anxiolytic effect Relieve anxiety without sedative effects.
 |  | Definition 
 | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Were once extensively used for antianxiety and sedation, but have been largely replaced by the benzodiazepines |  | Definition 
 | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 | Definition 
 
        | Sedative-Hypnotic: treat insomnia 
 Anxiolytic (antianxiety): Anxiety (panic, obsessive compulsive disorders, phobias)
 
 Muscle Relaxant: spasticity, dystonias
 
 Anticonvulsant: absence, status epilepticus, and generalized seizures (rapid tolerance develops)
 
 Other Uses:
 Pre-operative medication & endoscopic procedures
 Withdrawal from chronic use of ethanol and other CNS depressants.
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 | Definition 
 | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Which BZD when given as I.V. has anesthetic actions |  | Definition 
 | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 | Definition 
 | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | THE LIMBIC SYSTEM IS COMPOSED OF |  | Definition 
 
        | the limbic system (amygdala, septum, hippocampus) |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Area of the brain involved in sleep, ataxia, and muscle relaxation |  | Definition 
 
        | Sleep involves the ascending reticular formation 
 Muscle relaxation involves the medulla
 
 Ataxia involves the cerebellum
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | GABA-A Receptor structure and subunits |  | Definition 
 
        | Pentameric structure composed of alpha, beta, delta, and gamma subunits |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Binding sites on GABA-A Receptor and actions associated with binding |  | Definition 
 
        | •GABA site (there are 2, between A-1 and B2)) Increase GCl-
 Hyperpolarization
 Inhibition
 
 •Barbiturate site
 Increase GABA effect
 
 •Benzodiazepine site  (Between A-1 and Gamma 2)
 Increase GABA effect
 
 •Picrotoxin site
 Block Cl- channel
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Actions at the GABA-A Receptor Agonists: GABA
 |  | Definition 
 
        | GABA binds to GABAA receptors which increases Cl-conductance and hyperpolarizes neurons Neuronal activity is inhibited by GABA
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Actions at the GABA-A Receptor Antagonists: Bicuculline
 |  | Definition 
 
        | Competitive block of GABA binding Reduces inhibition and produces convulsions
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Actions at the GABA-A Receptor Antagonists: Picrotoxin
 |  | Definition 
 
        | Non-competitive block of GABA actions Blocks the chloride channel
 Reduces inhibition and produces convulsions
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Actions of Benzodiazepines at the GABAA Receptor |  | Definition 
 
        | BZs bind to a site on GABAA receptor (ionotropic Cl- channel). 
 Enhance inhibitory effect of GABA by increasing Cl- influx (hyperpolarization).
 
 BZ’s increase FREQUENCY of Cl- channel opening in the presence of GABA.
 
 BZ’s alone (without GABA) don’t affect Cl-channel function.
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Sedative Hypnotics & Antianxiety Agents general definitions |  | Definition 
 
        | Sedative: Depress the CNS-Calm down, treat agitation 
 Hypnotic: Induce sleep
 go to sleep fast, feel refreshed tomorrow !!!
 
 Anxiolytic: Reduce anxiety
 physical, emotional, cognitive
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Actions of Other Agents at the Benzodiazepine Receptor: INVERSE AGONISTS (Beta-carbolines) |  | Definition 
 
        | Produce the opposite effects at the BZ binding site Decrease chloride conductance
 Anxiety, irritability, agitation, delirium, convulsions
 No therapeutic uses
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | What are BZD-R Inverse agonists |  | Definition 
 | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Noncompetitive BZD antagonists |  | Definition 
 | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 | Definition 
 
        | BZD receptor antagonist 
 Blocks both agonist & inverse agonist; Have no biological effect ; Can precipitate withdrawal in dependent persons
 
 High Ist pass metabolism
 
 Only i.v.
 
 Used to reverse BZD anesthesia
 
 BZD over dose
 0.2mg/mt→If does not respond suspect other drugs along with BZD like alcohol
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | competitive BZD antagonists |  | Definition 
 | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Chlordiazepoxide (Librax, Librium) |  | Definition 
 
        | Chlordiazepoxide  (Librax or Librium) 
 Has a medium to long half life, but its active metabolite has a very long half life.
 Has amnestic, anxiolytic, hypnotic and skeletal muscle relaxant properties.
 
 Used for short term  treatment of  anxiety for 2-4 weeks & management of acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome
 
 Similar to Phenobarbital  in its anticonvulsant properties. However, it lacks the hypnotic effects of Barbiturates
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 | Definition 
 
        | alprazolam= Xanax oxazepam= Serax
 midazolam= Versed
 triazolam = Halcion
 temazepam= Restoril
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Actions of Other Agents at the Benzodiazepine Receptor: Non-BZD Agonists |  | Definition 
 
        | Act at BZ receptor to produce pharmacological actions similar to BZDs. |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 | Definition 
 
        | lorazepam= Ativan estazolam= ProSom
 temazepam= Restoril
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 | Definition 
 
        | chlordiazepoxide= Librium clonazepam= Klonopin
 clorazepate=Tranxene
 diazepam= Valium
 flurazepam= Dalmane     *widely used for primary insomnia and other sleep disorders
 temazepam= Restor
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 | Definition 
 
        | Lipid-soluble: fast cross blood-brain-barrier: rapid onset of action. Persist longer in high fat-to-lean body mass
 obese, elderly
 Abuse liability (Valium)
 
 
 Biotransformation & Half-Life:
 Hepatic oxidation: long-t1/2, active metabolites
 Glucuronidation: short-t1/2, no active metabolite
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | What determines the use of BZD and Barbs |  | Definition 
 
        | Dose and Plasma Half Life |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | BZDs with T1/2=>24hr(long) are usually used for? |  | Definition 
 
        | Anxiety, Withdrawal, Muscle Relaxant |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | BZDs with T1/2=6-24hr(intermediate) are usually used for? |  | Definition 
 | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | BZDs with T1/2=2-6hr(short) are usually used for? |  | Definition 
 | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | BZDs with T1/2=<2hr(ultra-short) are usually used for? |  | Definition 
 
        | Pre-anesthetic Medication |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Therapeutic Index of BZD are? |  | Definition 
 | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Benzodiazepines: Acute Toxicity Treatment |  | Definition 
 
        | TREATMENT: Support respiration & blood pressure
 Gastric lavage, activated charcoal, cathartic (Sorbitol)
 
 Give antagonist: Flumazenil (Romazicon)
 Short acting (~2 hr)
 Injected IV, quickly reverses BZ-induced respiratory depression.
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Which is safer BZDs or BARBS |  | Definition 
 
        | BZDs safer. Barbs increased risk of respiratory depression --> coma -->death |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Acquisition of tolerance relative to BZD uses |  | Definition 
 
        | Anticonvulsant > Sedation >> Muscle Relaxant > Antianxiety |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | What type of dependence may result from BZDs |  | Definition 
 
        | Physical and/or psychological dependence may develop 
 Physical dependence is present when withdrawal symptoms occur.
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Benzodiazepines: Drug Interactions |  | Definition 
 
        | Minimal induction of liver drug metabolizing enzymes, therefore few drug interactions are produced. 
 Additive CNS effects
 Severe CNS depression and coma can result from BZs taken with other CNS depressants such as ethanol
 Death from BZ overdose is usually associated with ingestion of a CNS depressant
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Benzodiazepines Overdose Adverse Effects |  | Definition 
 
        | Somnolence (difficulty staying awake) Mental confusion
 Hypotension
 Hypoventilation
 Impaired motor functions
 Impaired reflexes
 Impaired coordination
 Impaired balance
 Dizziness
 Muscle weakness
 Coma
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Increasing doses of BZDs produce |  | Definition 
 
        | sedation, hypnosis, and stupor NOT anesthesia |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Antagonist that blocks the Cl- channel |  | Definition 
 
        | Picrotoxin (Noncompetitive) |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 | Definition 
 
        | NO only in the presence of GABA |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | BZD Antagonist that is only given I.V.? Why? |  | Definition 
 
        | Flamazenil (Romazicon) HIGH First pass effect
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | If Pt. does not responds to Flumazenil it is likely |  | Definition 
 
        | to suspect other CNS depressant drugs along with BZD |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | BZD(s) with *greater efficacy for panic and phobic disorders |  | Definition 
 
        | Alprazolam (Xanax, Clonazepam (Klonopin) |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | BZD(s)widely used for primary insomnia and other sleep disorders |  | Definition 
 
        | Triazolam (Halcion), Estazolam (ProSom), Flurazepam (Dalmane) |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | BZD(s) *used for management of withdrawal states in physiologically dependent on ethanol and other sedative-hypnotics |  | Definition 
 
        | Chlordiazepoxide (Librax, Librium) |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 | Definition 
 
        | Barbiturates are effective and relatively inexpensive Barbiturates have been extensively studied and there is a vast amount of information available related to side effects and toxicity
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Therapeutic uses of Barbs |  | Definition 
 
        | IV anesthesia: Thiopental (Pentothal) and Methohexital (Brevital) 
 Convulsions: emergency treatment (eclampsia, tetanus, status epilepticus), but benzodiazepines are preferable.
 
 Epilepsy
 
 Rarely used as a sedative due to the availability of safer benzodiazepine agents.
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Peripheral effects of BARB |  | Definition 
 
        | Respiration: depression with increasing doses 
 Cardiovascular: decreased BP and HR at sedative-hypnotic doses
 
 Liver: bind cytochrome P450
 Induce drug metabolizing and other enzymes
 Increases metabolism of steroids, vitamins K/D, cholesterol and bile salts.
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | General & Specific MOA of Barbs |  | Definition 
 
        | General Mechanisms Potently depress the activity of neurons in the reticular formation (pons, medulla) and cortex.
 
 
 Specific Mechanisms
 Bind to a site on GABAA receptors while inhibiting excitatory AMPA receptors.
 
 AMPA receptors are the subtype of glutamate receptors sensitive to kainate or quisqualate.
 
 Increase the open time of Cl- channels in the presence of GABA.
 Increases Cl- influx
 Enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA
 
 At high concentrations directly increase Cl- conductance in the absence of GABA (act as GABAmimetics).
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | At high concentrations can directly increase Cl- conductance in the ABSENCE of GABA |  | Definition 
 | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Barb with the highest lipid solubility that is used as an inducting agent in anesthesia |  | Definition 
 | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | How are MOST barbs with the exception os Phenobarbital (Luminal) metabolized? 
 How is Luminal metabolized?
 |  | Definition 
 
        | With the exception of Phenobarbital, which is excreted partly unchanged in the urine, the BARBs are extensively metabolized via oxidation at the C5 position. 
 Most barbiturates are dealkylated
 
 Conjugation by glucuronidation
 
 Renal excretion
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Barbs with T1/2=80-120hr (long) are usually used for? |  | Definition 
 | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Barbs with T1/2=15-50 or ~10hr (Intermediate-short) are usually used for? |  | Definition 
 | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Barbs with T1/2=>3-10hr (ultra-short) are usually used for? |  | Definition 
 | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Common side effects & Contraindications of BARBS |  | Definition 
 
        | SIDE EFFECTS: Common Effects: Sedation & confusion
 
 CONTRAINDICATIONS:
 Pain: can increase sensitivity to painful situation resulting in restlessness, excitement and delirium.
 Pulmonary insufficiency: respiratory depression.
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 | Definition 
 
        | Enhance CNS depressive effects of: Antipsychotics, antihistamines, ethanol, and tricyclic antidepressants.
 
 Accelerate metabolism of:
 Beta-blockers, Ca2+-channel blockers, corticosteroids, estrogens, phenothiazines, valproic acid and theophylline.
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | What kind of dependence is common with Barbs? |  | Definition 
 
        | Physical manifested by withdrawal symptoms |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Newer NonBZD/NonBarb Hypnotic Agents |  | Definition 
 
        | Zolpidem (Ambien), Eszopiclone (Lunesta), Zaleplon (Sonata) |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 | Definition 
 
        | Used for the short-term treatment of Insomnia and as a sedative before minor medical or pediatric dentistry for diagnostic imaging procedures 
 Today, it is commonly used as an ingredient in the veterinary anesthetic Equithesin (mixture of chloral hydrate, magnesium sulfate and pentobarbital sodium)
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Metabolic produces of chloral hydrate |  | Definition 
 
        | trichloroethanol and trichloroacetic acid |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Discontinued Hypnotic agents |  | Definition 
 
        | Ethanol, barbs (avoided), Meprobamate (Equanil) |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | BZDs commonly used for the management of generalized anxiety disorders? |  | Definition 
 
        | Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) Diazepam (Valium)
 Oxazepam (Serax)
 Clorazepate (Tranxene)
 Lorazepam (Ativan)
 Alprazolam (Xanax)
 Halazepam (Paxipam)
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 | Definition 
 
        | Miscellaneous Anxiolytic agent 
 Buspirone
 Has selective affinity of 5-HT1A (mixed agonist antagonist activity), is a relatively new anxiolytic.
 
 Seems most effective in mild and generalized anxiety and is not effective compared to benzodiazepines and certain antidepressant agents in treatment of panic disorder.
 
 Does not exhibit cross-tolerance with benzodiazepines or other sedative-hypnotics. No physical dependence. No sedation or impaired cognition occurs with this drug.
 
 No anticonvulsant activity, will not protect from withdrawal symptoms
 
 Start 5 mg tid, max 60 mg/day. Onset of action is 1 to 3 weeks; limits it usefulness.
 
 No additive depression with ethanol
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | If Pt. cannot give up alcohol and is sufferring from anxiety which anxiolytic agent would you suggest? |  | Definition 
 
        | Buspirone (BuSpar) -No additive depression with ethanol
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Antihistamines used to tx anxiety & insomnia |  | Definition 
 
        | Diphenhydramine [Benadryl] 25-100 mg hs sleep OR 10-25 mgr prn anxiety
 
 Hydroxyzine [Atarax]
 25-100 mg hs sleep
 10-25 mg 1-4 times/day
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Beta-Blocker useful to tx anxiety (esp. performance anxiety) |  | Definition 
 
        | Physiologic component of anxiety: tachycardia, palpitations, tremor, sweating
 
 No CNS depression
 non-addicting, no drowsiness
 
 Do not use in asthma, diabetes, CHF
 monitor BP and pulse
 
 Helpful for performance anxiety:
 Propranolol 10 mg prn
 |  | 
        |  | 
        
        | Term 
 
        | Class of drugs that are preferable used as:1. Sedatives, 2. Hypnotics and 3. Anxiolytics |  | Definition 
 
        | Sedatives Benzodiazepines
 Antipsychotics
 
 Hypnotics (Non-pharmacological 1st)
 Antihistamines
 Zolpidem
 Benzodiazepines (rapid onset, short t1/2)
 
 Anxiolytics
 Benzodiazepines (acute)
 Antidepressants (chronic)
 |  | 
        |  |