CNS Depressants, Alcohol, and Opioids

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to CNS depressants, alcohol, and opioids, aiding in the understanding of their pharmacology and effects.

CNS Depressants

Drugs that lower the activity of the central nervous system, often resulting in sedation and relaxation.

Sedative-Hypnotics

A class of drugs that include both sedatives and hypnotics; used to induce sedation and sleep.

GABA

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS that suppresses neuronal activity.

Glutamate

The major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, which promotes neuronal firing.

Benzodiazepines

A class of sedative-hypnotic drugs that enhance GABA signaling, promoting relaxation and anxiety relief.

Barbiturates

A class of CNS depressants that are less commonly used today due to risks of overdose and dependence.

Opioid Receptors

Specific receptors in the body that opioids bind to, causing pain relief and emotional response modulation.

Ethanol

The type of alcohol that is safe for human consumption and is a CNS depressant.

Tolerance

A state where increased amounts of a drug are required to achieve the same effect due to repeated use.

Withdrawal

A group of symptoms that occur upon the abrupt discontinuation or decrease in intake of a drug.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

A range of developmental disorders that can occur in a child due to maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Cannabinoid Receptors

Receptors in the brain and body that interact with cannabinoids, influencing various physiological processes.

Enkephalins

Endogenous opioid peptides that bind to opioid receptors and modulate pain and stress responses.

Methadone

A synthetic opioid used in the treatment of opioid use disorder, known for its long duration of action.

Naloxone

An opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose.

Flumazenil

A benzodiazepine antagonist used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepine overdose.

Cross-Tolerance

A phenomenon where tolerance to one drug can result in tolerance to another drug, often related by their mechanisms of action.

Cannabis

A plant that can produce psychoactive effects; its main active compound is THC.

Respiratory Depression

A reduction in the ability to breathe, which can be a dangerous side effect of opioids and CNS depressants.

Sedation

A state of calm or sleepiness induced by sedative drugs.