CNS Depressants 1
What are the main indications for Benzodiazepines?
Controlling agitation and anxiety
What are the names of 2 short acting Benzos?
1. Midazolam
2. Triazolam
What are symptoms a nurse would see in a patient who overdosed on Benzos?
Unresponsiveness, shallow breathing, bradycardia, ataxia, altered LOC
What are important educational points to share with patients regarding sleeping
pills?
Take right at bed time, alcohol use, short-term use, CNS depression
What are potential adverse reactions of Baclofen?
Dizziness, drowsiness, muscle weakness, respiratory depression, GI
upset, nausea
How are Benzodiazepines used in the clinical setting?
Sedative
What are the names of 4 Sleeping pills?
1. Zaleplon
2. Zolpidem
3. Eszopiclone
4. Ramelteon
What drug is used to treat a patient who overdosed on Benzos and how does it
work?
Flumazenil – blocks benzo action, competitively binds to GABA receptor
What are the names of two muscle relaxants?
Cyclobenzaprine - central
Baclofen - peripheral
What are important teaching points to share with a patient taking Cyclobenzaprine?
Dizziness, drowsiness, respiratory depression, alcohol use, urinary
retention
Why do you wean off Benzodiazepines?
To prevent withdrawal symptoms
What population of patients should not take Benzos?
Elderly, pregnant women, patients with previous addiction, liver disease,
narrow angle glaucoma, respiratory issues, severe depression/SI
What are patient educations points that should be shared with patients taking Benzos?
Taper off, alcohol use, avoid driving, avoid taking with opioids, substance abuse
What are the most common adverse effects of muscle relaxants?
Dizziness, drowsiness, muscle weakness, respiratory depression, GI upset
What disorders are treated with amphetamines?
Attention disorders
What are the names of 3 long-acting Benzos?
1.Diazepam
2. Clonazepam
3. Chlordiazepoxide
What are potential adverse effects of Benzos?
Respiratory depression, dizziness, fatigue, abuse, addiction, physical
dependency, withdrawal, sedation, confusion
What is a potential adverse effect of Valium in children?
Agitation, irritability, aggression, hyperactivity, hallucinations
What nursing considerations are important when taking care of a patient receiving muscle relaxants?
Monitor CNS depression, fall risk, monitor vitals
What are the names of 4 amphetamines?
a. Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine
b. Methylphenidate
c. Lisdexamfetamine
d. Dextroamphetamine
What are the names of 3 intermediate acting Benzos?
1. Alprazolam (Xanax)
2. Lorazepam
3. Temazepam
Why is important not to give patients on Benzos other CNS depressants?
Respiratory depression
What are the potential adverse effects of Alprazolam in elderly patients?
What are important educational points to share with patients regarding sleeping pills?
How is the drug Baclofen administered?
PO, pump
What is Methylphenidate used to treat?
ADHD