CNS Disorders & Pharmacology Module 3: CNS Depression

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to CNS disorders and pharmacology, focusing on concepts of CNS depression, pain management, withdrawal syndromes, and safe medication administration.

CNS Depression

Intentional suppression or modulation of central nervous system activity.

Opioid Agonists

Medications that activate opioid receptors to relieve pain, e.g. morphine.

Respiratory Arrest

Life-threatening condition where breathing stops due to CNS depression.

Delirium Tremens

Severe withdrawal syndrome associated with alcohol withdrawal, causing confusion and severe agitation.

Withdrawal Syndromes

Physical and psychological symptoms occurring upon discontinuation of a substance.

Agonist–Antagonists

Drugs that activate some opioid receptors while blocking others.

Respiratory Depression

Decreased breathing rate, a significant risk with opioid use.

Nociception

Processing of pain signals in the nervous system.

Endogenous Opioids

Naturally occurring peptides in the body that reduce pain, e.g. endorphins.

GABA

Inhibitory neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleep.

Nonbenzodiazepine Hypnotics

Sedative medications that enhance GABA activity to induce sleep.

Z-Drugs

A class of medications used for the short-term management of insomnia.

Melatonin Agonists

Drugs that activate melatonin receptors to aid sleep onset.

Analgesia

Relief from pain through the use of medications.

Benzodiazepines

A class of drugs commonly prescribed for anxiety and also used in alcohol withdrawal.

Opioid Toxicity Triad

Coma, respiratory depression, and pinpoint pupils indicative of opioid overdose.

Naloxone

Opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose.

Amitriptyline

Tricyclic antidepressant used as an adjuvant medication for neuropathic pain.

Carbamazepine

Anticonvulsant that can reduce seizure risk in alcohol withdrawal.

Disulfiram

Medication used to deter alcohol consumption by causing unpleasant reactions.

Acamprosate

Medication that reduces dysphoria during alcohol abstinence.

Chlordiazepoxide

Benzodiazepine used as a first-line treatment for alcohol withdrawal.

Bupropion

Medication that reduces cravings in nicotine withdrawal.

Partial Agonist

A drug that activates a receptor but to a lesser degree than a full agonist.

Respiratory Suppression

Diminished respiratory drive often associated with CNS depressant use.

SJS/TEN

Serious skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/Toxic epidermal necrolysis) that can be caused by certain medications.

Substance Dependence

Neuroadaptation to repeated use of CNS-active substances.

Continuous Monitoring

Ongoing assessment of a patient's vital signs and neurological status.

PCA Monitoring

Patient-controlled analgesia, where patients manage their pain medication dose.

Sedation Scale

A measure used to evaluate the level of a patient's sedation.

Benzodiazepine Toxicity

Overdose on benzodiazepines which may require flumazenil as an antidote.

Opioid Agonist–Antagonist

Medication that provides partial agonistic effects at opioid receptors.

Circadian Control

Regulation of biological rhythms, including the sleep-wake cycle.

Substance Withdrawal

Symptoms and effects experienced when stopping or reducing intake of a dependency-inducing substance.

Neuroadaptation

The brain's adjustment to the presence of drugs, leading to tolerance and withdrawal.

Complex Sleep Behaviors

Unusual behaviors that occur during sleep, associated with certain sleep medications.