Anti-Anxiety Sedative -Hypnotic Drugs

What group of drugs includes Diazepam and Lorazepam, used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders?

Benzodiazepines

What are the common side effects experienced by patients after using over-the-counter sleep remedies?

Fatigue, headache, nausea, dizziness

Which neurotransmitter's effect is enhanced by Benzodiazepines at the GABAA receptor?

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

What is the primary mechanism of action of Sedative-Hypnotics?

To induce sedation or hypnosis, often by increasing the effect of GABA.

What is the risk associated with long-term use of Benzodiazepines?

Tolerance, dependence, and potential withdrawal symptoms.

Which sedative-hypnotics class is known for having a steeper dose-response relationship and is less frequently prescribed today due to safety concerns?

Barbiturates

What type of drugs includes Zolpidem and Eszopiclone, focusing on sleep induction?

Newer hypnotics

What is the role of Flumazenil in relation to Benzodiazepines?

It is a competitive antagonist used to reverse the effects of Benzodiazepines.

Which brain response is triggered by the presence of anxiety?

Fight or flight response

What component of genetics is cited as a risk factor for anxiety disorders?

Decreased GABA concentrations in the brain.

What is a primary indication for the use of Benzodiazepines?

Acute anxiety states.

Which forms of drug dependence can be developed through prolonged use of Sedative-Hypnotics?

Physiological dependence requiring continuous administration to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

What distinguishes GABAA receptors from GABAB receptors?

GABAA receptors are ionotropic and ligand-gated, while GABAB receptors are metabotropic and G protein-coupled.

Which class of drugs is often used for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder?

Benzodiazepines.

What therapeutic use does Zolpidem primarily fulfill?

Sleep induction.

What side effect is specifically associated with Barbiturates that limits their widespread use?

High risk of respiratory depression.

What is a potential side effect of Zolpidem?

Somnolence (excessive sleepiness) and dizziness.

What is a primary indication for the use of Eszopiclone?

Chronic insomnia treatment.

What significant side effect can occur with prolonged use of Benzodiazepines?

Cognitive impairment and memory issues.

What contraindication exists for the use of Barbiturates?

History of substance abuse or respiratory issues.

What is a common side effect of newer hypnotics like Zolpidem?

Sleepwalking or abnormal behaviors during sleep.

Which class of drugs can exacerbate depression symptoms?

Benzodiazepines.

What is an indication for using Flumazenil?

To reverse benzodiazepine overdose.

What is a known risk factor when using Barbiturates?

High risk of dependence and overdose.

Which medications may cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued?

Benzodiazepines and Barbiturates.

What unique risk is associated with the use of Eszopiclone?

Anxiety and rebound insomnia after discontinuation.

What is a key difference in the mechanism of action between Benzodiazepines and Barbiturates?

Benzodiazepines enhance GABA-A receptor activity, while Barbiturates can directly activate GABA-A receptors and also inhibit excitatory neurotransmitters.

Which medication class is generally considered safer for sleep induction due to a lower risk of overdose?

Newer hypnotics.

How do Benzodiazepines differ from Newer hypnotics in terms of their effects on the GABA system?

Benzodiazepines increase GABA's inhibitory effects generally, while Newer hypnotics are more selective for sleep-related GABA receptors.

What is the risk of sedation with Barbiturates compared to Benzodiazepines?

Barbiturates have a higher risk of oversedation and respiratory depression.

Which class of drugs is more likely to cause dependence due to their pharmacological profile?

Barbiturates.

How do the durations of action typically compare between Benzodiazepines and Newer hypnotics?

Benzodiazepines may have longer durations of action compared to some Newer hypnotics which are designed for short-term sleep induction.

What class of drugs has a greater potential for withdrawal symptoms if discontinued suddenly?

Benzodiazepines.

Which drug class may lead to complex sleep behaviors such as sleepwalking?

Newer hypnotics.

How are the side effects of cognitive impairment compared between Benzodiazepines and Barbiturates?

Both can cause cognitive impairment, but Barbiturates typically have a higher incidence due to their more profound depressant effects.

Which class of sedative-hypnotics has a more pronounced potential for drug-drug interactions?

Barbiturates.

What sedation effect is specifically associated with Newer hypnotics like Zolpidem?

Rapid onset of sleep with a relatively short duration of action.

What are the primary uses of Diazepam and Lorazepam?

They are primarily used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders.

What distinguishes Newer hypnotics like Zolpidem from traditional Benzodiazepines?

Newer hypnotics target specific sleep-related GABA receptors with fewer side effects.

What common therapeutic effect do Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines share?

Both classes are used to induce sedation but differ in safety profiles and side effect risks.

How do the withdrawal symptoms of Barbiturates compare to those of Benzodiazepines?

Barbiturates can lead to more severe and dangerous withdrawal symptoms compared to Benzodiazepines.

In what scenarios are Barbiturates still prescribed despite their risks?

They may be prescribed for certain types of seizures or as anesthetics.

What unique properties do Benzodiazepines like Diazepam possess?

They have a long half-life and are used for their anxiolytic effects.

What warning is associated with the use of Zolpidem?

Caution is advised due to the potential for sleepwalking and complex sleep behaviors.

What primary condition is Eszopiclone prescribed for?

It is primarily prescribed for chronic insomnia treatment.

What kind of sedation effect is characteristic of Barbiturates?

Barbiturates induce a pronounced sedative effect with a higher risk of respiratory depression.

How might the use of Benzodiazepines like Lorazepam affect depression symptoms?

Benzodiazepines can exacerbate symptoms of depression in some patients.

What is the clinical application of Diazepam?

Used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures.

What is the clinical application of Lorazepam?

Used for managing anxiety disorders and as a pre-anesthetic medication.

What is the clinical application of Zolpidem?

Primarily used for the short-term treatment of insomnia.

What is the clinical application of Eszopiclone?

Prescribed for chronic insomnia treatment.

What is the clinical application of Flumazenil?

Used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepine sedation or overdose.

What is the clinical application of Barbiturates?

Used for seizures and as anesthetics, though usage is limited due to risks.

What is the mechanism of action of Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of GABA at the GABAA receptor, increasing neuronal inhibition.

What is the mechanism of action of Barbiturates?

Barbiturates enhance GABA-A receptor activity, directly activate the receptors at high doses, and inhibit excitatory neurotransmitters.

What is the mechanism of action of Newer hypnotics like Zolpidem?

Newer hypnotics selectively bind to specific subtypes of GABA-A receptors associated with sleep, enhancing GABAergic inhibition.

What is the mechanism of action of Flumazenil?

Flumazenil acts as a competitive antagonist at the GABAA receptor, reversing the sedative effects of benzodiazepines.