CNS--DEPRESSANTS
CNS--DEPRESSANTS
CNS--DEPRESSANTS
CNS--DEPRESSANTS
CNS--DEPRESSANTS
100

Why do you wean off Benzodiazepines?

Can cause w/drawal symptoms if abruptly stopped (must taper off)! 

100

Why is it important to not give pts on Benzos other CNS depressants?

  • -Black box warning: Increased risk of death when combining Opioids and Benzodiazepines. 
  • -Do not combine these drugs with other substances that depress the CNS (don’t take anxiety meds and sleeping pills).
100

How is the drug baclofen administered?

-- PO or intrathecal (pump)

200

How are Benzodiazepines used in the clinical setting?

  • -Anxiolytic drugs (anxiety disorders)
  • MOST USEFUL SHORT-TERM TX OF ACUTE ANXIETY IN STRESSFUL LIFE SITUATIONS
  • -Occasionally as a Sedative-hypnotic (sleeping).
  • -Depress activity in the CNS/inhibit overstimulation (chill out)
  • -Fairly safe unless combined with other CNS depressants (alcohol)
  • SCHEDULE IV DRUGS THAT CAN CAUSE PHYSIOLOGIC DEPENDENCE 
200

what population of pts should not take Benzos?

--Pregnancy: category D or X drugs

-- Red flags: suicidal thoughts and hx of drug abuse 

200

What is a potential AE of Valium in children?


  • - Children are more sensitive and may work paradoxically (medication causes side effects in direct opposition to its intended outcome). Can make them hyper!
200

What are the potential AEs of Alprazolam in elderly pts?

  • - Elderly more sensitive with ataxia (poor muscle control that causes clumsy voluntary movements) and oversedation. 
300

What are the main indications for Benzodiazepines?

  • -Short term treatment of acute anxiety “Chill pill”
  • -To sedate
  • - As a sleep aid (short term)
  • -To relax skeletal muscles
  • -For seizures
  • -As part of conscious sedation
  • -Kids: sleepwalking and night terrors
300

What drugs is used to tx a pt who overdosed on Benzos and how does it work?

-- Symptomatic and supportive

-- Flumazenil: Oral overdose, excessive IV sedation or reverse anesthesia 

300

What are the most common AEs of muscle relaxants?

-- CNS changes: lightheadedness, drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, muscle weakness 

300

What nursing considerations are important when taking care of a pt receiving muscle relaxants?

  • - Patient education about these drugs is very important
  • - These medications make patients drowsy
  • - Older patients are at risk for falls.
  • - Keep side rails up or use bed alarm
  • - Assist patients with ambulation
  • - Keep call button within reach
300

What are important teaching points to share with a patient taking Cyclobenzaprine?

  • - Do not use for more than 2-3 weeks.
  • - Teach to avoid alcohol
  • - Do not operate machines.
400

What are the names of 3 long-acting Benzos?

-- Diazepam (Valium)

-- Clonazepam (Klonopin)

-- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)

400

What are the names of 3 intermediate-acting Benzos?

-- Alprazolam (Xanax)

-- Lorazepam (Ativan)

-- Temazepam (Restoril) 

400

What are the names of 2 short-acting Benzos?

-- Midazolam (Versed)

-- Triazolam (Halcion) 

400

What are the names of 4 sleeping pills?

-- Eszopiclone

-- Zolpidem

-- Ramelton

-- Suvorexant 

400

What are the symptoms a nurse would see in a pt who overdosed on Benzos?

  • -Somnolence (state of drowsiness or strong desire to fall asleep).
  • -Confusion
  • -Diminished reflexes
  • -Coma
  • -Dilated pupils
  • -hypoventilation
500

What are the potential AEs of Benzos?

-- CNS changes: H/A, Drowsiness, Lethargy, Dizziness, Cognitive impairment, "Hang-over", daytime sleepiness 

  • - Overdose (especially w/ alcohol).
  • - Fall hazard for older adults.
  • - Potential for dependency
  • - Withdrawal if stopped abruptly
  • - Rebound disinhibition when tapering
500

What are pt education points that should be sharted with pts takin Benzos?

  • - “Nerve pills” and “sleeping pills” relieve symptoms but do not cure the underlying problem.
  • - Try to identify and avoid factors that cause anxiety
  • - Do not combine these drugs with other substances that depress the CNS (don’t take anxiety meds and sleeping pills).
  • - Be sure to tell other healthcare professionals if taking benzodiazepine.
  • - Do not perform tasks that require alertness: driving, bathing, operating machines.
  • - Store these drugs safely and do not share these drugs.
  • - Do not stop the drug abruptly. They must be weaned.
  • - Follow instructions carefully and do not take too much.
500

What are important educational points to share with pts regarding sleeping pills?

  • - Used to produce sleep
  • - May receive prior to surgery or a diagnostic procedure.
  • - Not indicated for occasional sleeplessness.
  • - Should not be used every night unless absolutely necessary.
  • - Intermittent administration helps maintain drug effectiveness.
  • - These can be abused and lead to dependence.
500

What are the names of two muscle relaxants?

-- Baclofen (Lioresal)

-- Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride (Flexeril) 

500

What are the potential AE reactions of Baclofen?

  • - Transient drowsiness or fatigue
  • - Dizziness, confusion, weakness
  • - Hypotension
  • - Urinary frequency
  • - Hyperglycemia
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