Benzo & Barb Basics
Benzodiazepines facilitate the action of this major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS.
What is γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)?
Zolpidem (Ambien), Zaleplon (Sonata), and Eszopiclone (Lunesta) are indicated for this condition only.
What is insomnia?
This is the brand name for the muscle relaxant Cyclobenzaprine.
What is Flexeril?
A common adverse reaction to benzodiazepines where the patient forgets events that occur after taking the drug.
What is anterograde amnesia?
This common habit reduces the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
What is smoking?
The onset of action for benzodiazepines is related to this chemical property.
What is lipid solubility?
This drug is an "anxioselective" agent with an onset of action of about 1 week.
What is Buspirone (BuSpar)?
This benzodiazepine is unique because it is listed as both an antianxiety agent and a centrally acting muscle relaxant.
What is Diazepam (Valium)?
Barbiturates are absolutely contraindicated in patients with this metabolic disorder.
What is Porphyria?
Because sedatives do not provide this effect, they are not a substitute for pain management.
What is analgesia?
Unlike benzodiazepines, barbiturates act directly on these channels and prolong their opening.
What are chloride channels?
Ramelteon (Rozerem) works by selectively agonizing these two receptors.
What are Melatonin Type 1 (MT1) and Melatonin Type 2 (MT2) receptors?
This miscellaneous agent is specifically indicated for spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries.
What is Baclofen (Lioresal)?
Using benzodiazepines during pregnancy increases the risk of congenital malformations and this syndrome in the newborn.
What is "floppy infant syndrome"?
For elderly patients or those on cimetidine, this specific type of benzodiazepine should be used.
What is a glucuronidated type?
While short-acting barbiturates are metabolized by the liver, long-acting barbiturates are largely excreted through this organ.
What are the kidneys?
Suvorexant (Belsomra) works by blocking these specific neuropeptides from binding to their receptors.
What are orexins?
This specific muscle relaxant is used to prevent and treat malignant hyperthermia.
What is Dantrolene (Dantrium)?
Unlike benzodiazepines, an overdose of barbiturates leads to this, often resulting in death.
What is complete cardiovascular and respiratory depression?
This class of antidepressant drugs can decrease diazepam levels.
What are Selective Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)?
Benzodiazepines are stored in this tissue, which prolongs their action in the body.
What is adipose (fat) tissue?
Narcolepsy has been associated with a loss of signaling from this chemical substance.
What is orexin?
This "miscellaneous" muscle relaxant treats spasticity from upper motor neuron disorders.
What is Dantrolene (Dantrium)?
Barbiturates are contraindicated in Porphyria because they stimulate the synthesis of these chemicals.
What are porphyrins?
Cimetidine, disulfiram, isoniazid, and omeprazole have this effect on benzodiazepines.
What is increase their effects?