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11 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What is the most commonly prescribed group of psychotropic medications?
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Benzodiazepines
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What was the first benzodiazepine?
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Librium/chlordiazepoxide
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Why do benzodiazepines act more quickly than other psychotropic drugs?
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They act on ionotropic, rather than metabotropic receptors
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How do benzodiazepines affect GABA?
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They enhance GABA's inhibitory activity by binding to receptors on the same neurons
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What are two different ways of classifying benzodiazepines?
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1. Speed of absorption/action
2. Half life (i.e. speed of metabolism and excretion) |
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What is a potential drawback of using a benzodiazepine with a long half-life?
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If pt has reduced kidney function, daily doses of the drug can build up to toxic levels - this may manifest as confusion/disorientation
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What is the recommended duration of benzodiazepine tx?
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1-4 weeks
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What are the most appropriate uses for benzodiazepines?
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1. Tx of anxiety in response to a situational stressor, i.e. adjustment d/o
2. Initial stages of tx for panic d/o |
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Name 3 risk factors for benzodiazepine abuse/dependence
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1. Family hx of substance abuse (especially other CNS depressants)
2. Personal hx of substance abuse (especially other CNS depressants) 3. Presence of a personality disorder |
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How long does it generally take for a person to taper off benzodiazepines?
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1-3 months
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Name 4 types of substances that can have dangerous interactions with benzodiazepines
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1. other CNS depressants - additive depressant effects
2. some antimicrobials - increase levels of benzodiazepines 3. nefazodone - increase levels 4. Carbamazepine - reduces levels |
