Chapter 6 Activity: CNS Depressants: Sedative-Hypnotics

Anxiolytic

Drug that relieves anxiety

Club Drug

Drug used at all-night raves, parties, dance clubs, and are to enhance sensory experiences

Antihistamines

Drugs that often cause central nervous system depression and are used to treat allergies and are often included in over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids

Detoxification

Elimination of a toxic substance, such as a drug, and its effects from the body

True or false: Antihistamines produce the same responses in all people.

False; one significant problem with antihistamines is the variability of responses they produce.

True or false: All central nervous system depressants are created equal.

False; they are not all created equal as each one has different side effects

Central nervous system depressants used to induce drowsiness and encourage sleep are _____.

Hypnotics

Barbiturates

Potent central nervous system depressants, usually not preferred because of their narrow margin of safety

Identify and briefly describe three other kinds of central nervous system depressants (central nervous system depressants other than barbiturates and benzodiazepines). a. _____ b. _____ c. _____

a. Antihistamines: drugs (either prescription or nonprescription) used to relieve symptoms commonly associated with the common cold, allergies, or motion sickness b. Sleep aids: claim they are less sedating and less likely to cause dependence than the traditional benzodiazepines and barbiturates c. Methaqualone: introduced in India in the 1950s as an antimalarial, it is now available in the United States as Quaalude

What are some common side effects of benzodiazepines? a. _____ b. _____

a. Impairment of mental and physical abilities b. Diminished libido

What are central nervous system depressants problematic? Give four reasons. a. _____ b. _____ c. _____ d. _____

a. Obtained legally by prescription b. Cause very alarming and dangerous behavior c. Drug overdoses d. Can cause disruptive personality changes

Identify four medical uses of benzodiazepines. a. _____ b. _____ c. _____ d. _____

a. Relief of anxiety b. Treatment of neurosis c. Relaxation of muscles d. Induction of sleep

Identify three ways that benzodiazepines are abused. a. _____ b. _____ c. _____

a. Withdrawal symptoms can mimic the symptoms for which they are prescribed b. Self-administered to prevent unpleasant withdrawal symptoms c. Drug mixing (usually with alcohol, heroin, or cocaine)

Amnesiac

Causing the loss of memory

Hypnotics

Central nervous system depressant used to induce drowsiness and encourage sleep

A drug used at all-night raves, parties, dance clubs, and bars to enhance sensory experiences is called a _____.

Club drug

_____ are central nervous system depressants used to relieve anxiety, fear, and apprehension.

Sedatives

True or false: Benzodiazepines are primarily distinguished by their duration of action.

True

True or false: Propofol is being abused because of its short action.

True

Paradoxical Effects

Unexpected effects

_____ is used to achieve a controlled state of unconsciousness so that a patient can be treated, usually by surgery, in relative comfort and without memory of an unpleasant experience.

Anesthesia

The most popular and safest prescription central nervous system depressants in use today are _____.

Benzodiazepines

The restive phase of sleep associated with dreaming is called _____.

REM sleep