Nervous System Drugs Part 2 Notes

Nervous System Drugs: Part 2

Drug Classifications for Pain

• Opioids:
  • Examples: Morphine, Oxycodone
• Adjuvant Analgesics:
  • Examples: Antidepressants, Anticonvulsants
• Sedatives & Hypnotics:
  • Examples: Benzodiazepines, Non-Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates

Mechanism of Action (Sedatives & Hypnotics)

• Benzodiazepines:
  • Enhance GABA activity, inducing sedation & reducing anxiety.
• Non-Benzodiazepines:
  • Selectively target GABA receptors for sleep induction.
• Barbiturates:
  • Potentiate GABA, causing CNS depression.

Pharmacological Drug Classification (Sedatives & Hypnotics)

• Benzodiazepines:
  • Diazepam
  • Lorazepam
• Barbiturates:
  • Phenobarbital
  • Secobarbital

Major Nursing Considerations (Sedatives & Hypnotics)

• Risk of dependency & withdrawal.
• Monitor for CNS depression (respiratory, sedation).
• Avoid alcohol & CNS depressants.
• Assess fall risk, especially in elderly patients.

Common Side Effects (Sedatives & Hypnotics)

• Drowsiness, dizziness, confusion.
• Respiratory depression (high doses).
• Dependency & withdrawal symptoms.
• Paradoxical reactions (e.g., agitation in older adults).

Nervous System Drugs (Pain Management)

• Opioids:
  • Morphine
  • Hydrocodone
• Adjuvant Analgesics:
  • Gabapentin
  • Amitriptyline

Nursing Considerations (Pain Management)

• Monitor: Vital signs (especially for opioids)
• Assess: Pain levels regularly
• Educate: Proper use & risks (addiction, overdose)

Substance Use & Addiction Treatment

• Opioid Use Disorder:
  • Methadone
  • Buprenorphine
• Alcohol Use Disorder:
  • Disulfiram
  • Naltrexone
• Nicotine Dependence:
  • Varenicline
  • Bupropion

Polypharmacy & Drug Interactions

• Common in older adults.
• Increased risk of adverse effects.
• Monitor for drug-food interactions (grapefruit, anticoagulants).
• Importance of medication reconciliation.

End-of-Life Care Pharmaceuticals

• Pain control: Morphine
• Anxiety: Lorazepam
• Secretions: Atropine
• Comfort measures: Palliative sedation

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Understand: Drug classifications & mechanisms
• Monitor: Side effects & interactions
• Provide: Patient education on safe medication use
• Special Considerations: Addiction, polypharmacy, and palliative care