Anti-Anxiety Agents

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes about anti-anxiety agents.

Anxiolysis

CNS depression that kills anxiety and activity without inducing sleep.

Ways to make a patient more comfortable in dental office

Calming environment & reassurance, good communication, nitrous oxide or oral sedation if needed.

Sedative Dose

Mild CNS depression that reduces anxiety and activity.

Hypnotic Dose

Stronger CNS depression that induces sleep.

Benzodiazepine

Most commonly prescribed antianxiety drug for short-term use.

GABA

The neurotransmitter that is facilitated by benzodiazepines and barbiturates.

Adverse effects of Benzo

Drowsiness, fatigue, light headedness, ataxia, respiratory depression, xerostomia, or increased salivation, & birth defects.

Status epilepticus

"Except for the treatment of ____________, Benzo should be avoided for women who are pregnant or nursing.”

Flumazenil

Reversal agent for Benzo

Anterograde Amnesia

Inability to form new memories after drug administration.

Ptosis

Drooping of the eyelids.

Midazolam

The benzodiazepine most commonly used for IV sedation in the dental office.

Diazepam

A benzodiazepine commonly used for seizures, especially status epilepticus.

Status Epilepticus

A seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes or multiple seizures without full recovery in between.

Benzodiazepines Use

Reduce anxiety and control seizures.

Barbiturates Use

General anesthesia and long-term treatment of seizures.

Smoking

_________ diminishes the effectiveness of benzodiazepines

Phenobarbital

Long-acting barbiturate used for the treatment of epilepsy.

Porphyria

One absolute contraindication for the use of barbiturates.