Question

In: Nursing

Today your team is confronted with a patient that needs to be treated for anxiety (CNS...

Today your team is confronted with a patient that needs to be treated for anxiety (CNS

depressants), schizophrenia (antipsychotics), and pain (opioid analgesics). GM is a 42yo

Hispanic female that reports to your unit with no medication history except that they are

currently on NO medications or supplements. She reports that she quit taking all medications

2 years ago because of the way they made her feel and she has been living on the

street/homeless shelters for at least the last year. The police brought her in last night because

of erratic behavior at the shelter where she was most recently staying. Your job today is to

create a small-molecule (pharma drugs) regimen for GM and observe her response for the next

48 hours. Answer the following questions:

1. Start this assignment by deciding on which classes of drugs you wish to prescribe. For

instance, this would not be CNS depressants, but barbiturates, benzodiazepines, etc.

You do not need specific drug names, but can assign if you wish.

Solutions

Expert Solution

Ans:-

There are three major types of CNS depressants: sedatives, hypnotics, and tranquilizers.

Drugs that are classified as CNS depressants include:

  • Alcohol
  • Barbiturates
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Many sleeping pills
  • Opioids

Different classes of CNS depressants work in different ways, but all have the ability to reduce activity in the central nervous system and lower levels of awareness in the brain. While CNS depressants all share this ability, there are significant differences among substances within this drug class. In particular, some are generally considered to be safer and are prescribed more than others. However, it’s important to note that almost all depressants have the potential to be addictive and should only be used as prescribed. Central nervous system depressants are sometimes called sedatives or tranquilizers, although those terms are more properly applied to specific categories of CNS depressants.

Alcohol

Alcohol is one of the most widely used drugs in the world. The degree to which the brain is affected by this central nervous system depressant depends on how much, and how fast, a person drinks. Due to the initial positive behavioral effects of alcohol, many people don’t realize that the substance is a CNS depressant. For example, when someone first begins to drink, he or she may feel less reserved and more relaxed because of the chemical changes alcohol causes within the brain. However, the more someone drinks, the more the brain is affected and the likelihood that a negative emotional response will take over. Alcohol can actually increase anxiety and stress rather than reduce it, and elicit other negative reactions such as anger, aggression, and depression. Chronic alcohol use can also lead to dependence, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop usage of the drug.

Barbiturates

Barbiturates, or “downers,” are a type of CNS depressant that are prescribed to treat anxiety, tension, and sleep disorders. Common barbiturates include Amytal, Luminal (Phenobarbital), Mebaral, Nembutal, and Seconal. Barbiturates were previously regarded as a generally safe depressant, but problems with abuse, addiction, and overdose quickly became apparent after widespread prescription. These drugs can generate a sense of euphoria and relaxation even when taken in small doses, which encourages abuse in some. Barbiturates have also shown to have a dramatic impact on sleep patterns, resulting in suppressed REM sleep. In response to particularly high abuse rates from the 1950s to the 1970s, benzodiazepines, which are generally regarded as less addictive and less likely to cause overdose, were developed and popularized. Because the potential for addiction and overdose is so high, the drugs are no longer commonly used to treat anxiety and sleep problems.

Benzodiazepines

Sometimes called “benzos,” benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that are prescribed to treat anxiety, sleep disorders, convulsions, and other acute stress reactions. Common benzos include Valium, Xanax, and Ativan. Benzodiazepines are highly effective in treating anxiety and insomnia due to the sleep-inducing, sedative, and muscle-relaxing properties. While considered safe for short-term treatment, long-term or illicit use can lead to the development of a tolerance, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation or rapid reduction in use.

Sleeping Pills

This category of CNS depressants includes non-benzodiazepine sleep aids, or “z-drugs,” such as Ambien, Sonata, and Lunesta. These drugs are designed to specifically treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. These sleeping pills are chemically different from other central nervous system depressants, and they work by stimulating the GABA neurotransmitter in a different way. Unlike benzodiazepines, Z-drugs do not reduce anxiety. The drugs are thought to have fewer side effects and risk of addiction compared to benzodiazepines; however, long-term use can still result in dependence and addiction.

Opioids

Opioids are the most commonly prescribed pain medications in the United States and in much of the world. Some opioids, such as methadone, are also used for other purposes such as opioid addiction treatment. There are a number of different opioids, including legal prescription medications such as codeine and hydrocodone, and illegal street drugs, such as heroin.

While opioids vary tremendously in strength, addictive potential, and other aspects, they tend to be very chemically similar and typically have similar effects. While opioids are considered extremely effective for treating pain, they are also some of the most addictive and dangerous drugs in the world. Every year,

Some Drug Name: - Depending on situation one of them apply to treatment

Benzodiazepines

  • diazepam (Valium)
  • clonazepam (Klonopin)
  • alprazolam (Xanax)
  • triazolam (Halcion)
  • estazolam (Prosom)

Non-Benzodiazepine Sedative Hypnotics

  • zolpidem (Ambien)
  • eszopiclone (Lunesta)
  • zaleplon (Sonata)

Barbiturates

  • mephobarbital (Mebaral)
  • phenobarbital (Luminal)
  • pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal)


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