Neurotransmitters
This neurotransmitter inhibits nerve activity and is important in preventing overexcitability, such as seizure activity.
What is GABA?
This system is responsible for controlling the functions of the human body and responding to stimuli.
What is the nervous system?
Benzodiazepines work by making this inhibitory neurotransmitter more effective.
What is GABA?
Barbiturates are primarily used for these conditions, although they are less commonly prescribed today.
What are anxiety, sedation, insomnia, preanesthetic sedation, and seizure disorders?
These 2 antihistamines, used as a sedative, can cause significant CNS depression and are often used as a preoperative medication.
What is promethazine or diphenhydramine?
These neurotransmitters are released by the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system and also act as a hormone when released from the adrenal medulla.
What are norepinephrine and epinephrine?
Nerve membranes are capable of conducting these electrical signals to send messages.
What are action potentials?
This is the recommended way to stop taking benzodiazepines to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
What is tapering the dose slowly?
The most common forms of barbiturates used as anxiolytics are sold under these names.
What are butabarbital (Butisol), pentobarbital (Nembutal), and phenobarbital?
Nurses should be vigilant for this adverse effect when benzodiazepines are combined with other CNS depressants like opioids, as it can result in life-threatening conditions.
What is profound sedation or respiratory depression?
This neurotransmitter is important for communication between nerves and muscles.
What is acetylcholine?
These stretchy membranes cover the brain and spinal cord, providing additional protection.
What are the meninges?
Benzodiazepines should be used cautiously in patients with this condition, which could affect drug metabolism and increase the risk of adverse effects.
What are liver or kidney diseases?
Barbiturates are particularly dangerous when combined with this common substance, leading to enhanced CNS depression.
What is alcohol?
This sleep medication is associated with complex behaviors like "sleep driving" and should be taken at night with 8 hours of sleep planned.
What are zolpidem or zaleplon?
This neurotransmitter is involved in the coordination of motor and intellectual impulses and responses.
What is dopamine?
This part of the body contains the majority of the body's nerves, including the brain and spinal cord.
What is the central nervous system (CNS)?
These are the common conditions treated with benzodiazepines.
What are anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal, hyperexcitability, agitation, seizure disorders, insomnia, and preoperative anxiety?
This severe condition may be precipitated if barbiturates are abruptly withdrawn in patients with seizure disorders.
What is status epilepticus?
In cases where benzodiazepines are prescribed for long-term use, nurses should monitor patients for this phenomenon, which indicates that the drug is becoming less effective over time.
What is drug tolerance?
This neurotransmitter is important for arousal, sleep, preventing depression, and promoting motivation.
What is serotonin?
This barrier in the CNS helps to protect the brain from toxins, proteins, and large molecules.
What is the blood brain barrier?
This is the common boxed warning associated with benzodiazepines.
What is the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, or death when used with opioids?
These are the CNS effects commonly caused by barbiturates.
What are drowsiness, somnolence, lethargy, ataxia, and vertigo?
This group of patients should use benzodiazepines with caution due to the possibility of unpredictable reactions.
Who are older adults