Chapter 7: Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, and Inhalants

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the study guide for Chapter 7, focusing on the classifications, mechanisms, and risks associated with barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and inhalants.

Barbiturates

A class of sedative-hypnotics used primarily to treat anxiety and induce sleep.

Lethal Overdose Danger

The most serious risk of barbiturate use due to the inhibition of respiratory centers.

Long-acting Barbiturates

Barbiturates with effects lasting for $6$ hours or more, such as Phenobarbital.

Intermediate-acting Barbiturates

Barbiturates with effects lasting between $4$ and $6$ hours, such as Butalbarbital and Amobarbital.

Short-acting Barbiturates

Barbiturates with effects lasting less than $4$ hours, such as Pentobarbital and Secobarbital.

Mechanism Of Action (Barbiturates)

Act on multiple neurotransmitter systems and significantly affect GABA receptors.

Mechanism Of Action (Benzodiazepines)

Selectively bind to GABA-A receptors, offering targeted anxiolytic effects by enhancing GABA's inhibitory effects.

Barbiturate Withdrawal

The most dangerous form of withdrawal, characterized by severe tremors, convulsions, and high mortality rates.

Sedative Effects

Effects used to relieve anxiety, which typically require lower doses of medication.

Hypnotic Effects

Effects used to induce sleep, which require higher doses of medication.

Zolpidem (Ambien)

A medication that targets GABA-A receptors to treat insomnia, providing quick sleep onset without typical muscle relaxant properties.

Beta Blockers

Drugs used for heart conditions and high blood pressure that are also prescribed for performance-based anxiety or stage fright.

GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate)

A central nervous system depressant that enhances inhibitory neurotransmitter effects, particularly GABA, and can lead to unconsciousness if combined with alcohol.

Nitrous oxide

An inhalant introduced in the $1800s$ that is commonly used in dental offices for sedation.

Ether

A long-standing inhalant introduced in the $1840s$ that is extremely dangerous due to being highly flammable.

Nitrites

Specific inhalants that cause vasodilation and are used to enhance sexual pleasure.

Solvent Fumes

Inhalants like glue and aerosol sprays that depress CNS function and can induce euphoria; abuse began in the $1950s$.

Hexane

An inhalant that leads to peripheral nerve damage.

Benzene

A carcinogenic inhalant known for causing blood disorders.

Toluene

An inhalant that can cause memory loss and coordination issues.

Acetone

An inhalant that causes damage to respiratory mucous membranes.

Gasoline

An inhalant associated with long-term CNS degeneration and spastic muscle disorders.

Youth Inhalant Use

The drug class most closely associated with younger demographics, such as $8th$ graders, due to being cheap and easily available.