MOA
Effects
Drug Class
Adverse Effects
Monitoring
CNS Depressants
Benzodiazepines
-
(-zepam)
(-zolam)
-
[lorazepam]
Intensify GABA (bind to benzodiazepine receptors
on a GABA receptor
As the dose increase: anxiolytic effects →
anticonvulsant effects → a reduction in muscle
tonus → sedation and hypnosis
Indicated for: Short term insomnia, GAD, controlling
seizures, alcohol withdrawal, muscle relaxation,
pre-anesthesia
-
Barbiturates
-
(-barbital)
-
Hypnotic/Sedative
-
-
[Melatonin]
-
Dependence and tolerance
Drowsiness
Sedation
Memory loss
Weakness
Disorientation
Ataxia
Sleep disturbances
Hypotension
Blurred/double vison
Nausea and vomiting
-
Respirations
BP
LOC
Muscle tone
GI status
Vision Changes
Cognitive Changes
Enhance GABA (bind to barbiturate receptor on
GABA receptor)
Low doses reduce anxiety
Moderate doses promote sleep and have
anticonvulsant activity (rarely prescribed anymore
for anxiety or insomnia because of side effects)
Use benzodiazepine receptor to potentiate GABA –
but much more specific (GABA1)
Only cause sedation (no anxiolytic or anticonvulsant
properties
Short term use preferred
[zopiclone]
Miscellaneous
-
Can act on any neurotransmitter
Any drug that causes sedation can potentially use to
induce or prolong sleep (even if it is an adverse
effect)
Includes antihistamines such as diphenhydramine,
dimenhydrinate, or hydroxyzine
-
Significant dependence and Tolerance
Dizziness
Headache
Daytime drowsiness
Dyspepsia
Dry mouth
Bitter metallic taste (zopliclone)
Nausea
Anterograde amnesia
-
LOC
Presence of side effects
Daytime drowsiness level
Appropriate use
Memory changes
GI status
Drug choice depends on the
pharmacokinetic characteristics (onset and
duration of action)
** Caution with other CNS depressants**
Anything that inhibits brain activity will
have an additive effect
-
Aren’t as good for anxiety or seizures
Good for convulsions
-
Must be tapered off if used long term
Respirations and BP not likely
necessary to monitor
CNS depressant CAUTION
Elderly and very young (more
sensitive and unpredictable response)
Pregnancy
Suicidal potential
Impaired renal or liver function
Hazardous activities, or ability to
manage daytime drowsiness?
Other CNS depressants?