CNS Depressants & Stimulants

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to CNS depressants and stimulants, including their definitions, indications, mechanisms of action, and side effects.

CNS depressants

Drugs that decrease brain activity, leading to sedation, drowsiness, or relaxation.

Barbiturates

A class of CNS depressants that include drugs like phenobarbital; have a high risk of toxicity and dependence.

Benzodiazepines

A class of CNS depressants ending in -zepam or -zolam, indicated for anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders.

Mechanism of Action (MOA)

The way in which a drug produces its effects; for barbiturates, it inhibits nerve impulses in the cerebral cortex.

GABA receptors

Receptors that benzodiazepines bind to in order to reduce neural excitability.

Adverse Effects

Undesired harmful effects of a medication, such as CNS depression, cognitive impairment, and hangover effects.

Antidote for benzodiazepine overdose

Flumazenil, which can reverse the effects of benzodiazepines.

Muscle Relaxants

Medications like cyclobenzaprine and baclofen that work primarily in the CNS to relieve muscle spasms.

Indications for CNS stimulants

Conditions include obesity, ADHD, narcolepsy, anxiety, seizures, and migraine headaches.

Analeptics

Stimulants such as caffeine citrate that primarily stimulate the CNS and may control respiration.

Anorexiants

Substances that suppress appetite control centers in the brain, like phentermine and semaglutide.

Sumatriptan

A medication used to treat migraines by stimulating serotonin receptors and causing vasoconstriction.

Contraindications for benzodiazepines

Conditions such as allergy, pregnancy, and narrow-angle glaucoma that may increase the risk of adverse effects.

Caution for older adults

Older adults are at increased risk for adverse effects and should use CNS depressants with care.

Neonatal sleep apnea

A condition for which caffeine citrate can be used as a treatment.

“Hangover” effect

The lingering sedation or drowsiness felt the day after taking certain sedatives or hypnotics.

Fall hazard

A significant risk for elderly patients taking CNS depressants due to sedation effects.