general characteristics of general CNS depressants

    dose-dependent depression of CNS and behavior; disinhibition

    primary action on GABA (how does it affect GABA?); high dose effect on glutamate

    tolerance and cross-tolerance

    dependence and cross-dependence

    synergistic interaction with other depressants

    withdrawal characterized by hyperexcitability rebound

types or categories of drugs which qualify as  CNS depressants

medical use terms used to refer to depressants

    sedatives

    hypnotics

    minor tanquilizers or anti-anxiety or anxiolytics

    anticonvulsants/anti-epilepsy

    anesthetics

    street term "downers"

NOTE: narcotic analgesics and major tranquilizers/antipsychotics are not in the pharmacological category CNS depressants, even though they have some sedating effects

common reasons  for  medical  use of depressants; reasons for street/recreational use of depressants

barbiturates
    subcategories (how are barbs grouped?) and examples

    common effects (what might someone under the influence of barbs look like?)

    adverse or less than desirable effects (why aren't barbs very desirable anti-anxiety or sleep-inducing meds?)

        nonselective action
        sedative hangover/grogginess
        REM sleep depression (REM rebound during withdrawal)
        impaired memory
 

    risks
        overdose

        drug interactions

        dependency

        dangerous withdrawal (characteristics of withdrawal?)

        prenatal effects if used during pregnancy

some well-known "nonbarbiturate" sedative-hypnotics
        meprobamate (Miltown)
        methaqualone (Quaaludes, Sopor)
        misadvertising and failure to eliminate barb-like risks

benzodiazepines

        subcategories and examples

        charcteristic effects; action on GABAa receptors

        comparison with barbiturates (why were benzodiazepines an improvement?)

        medical uses

        potential adverse effects

            effect on driving

            effects on memory

            potential paradoxical/idiosyncratic responses

            prenatal effects

            dependence

            misuse and abuse and overprescription

            special risks in elderly

            use in sexual assaults (Rohypnol and others)

flumazenil (Romazicon) - benzodiazepine antagonist

why certain benzodiazepines are selected as hypnotics

new drugs for sleep

     zolpidem (Ambien)

     zaleplon (Sonata)

use of benzos for anxiety

new drugs used for anxiety

    buspirone (BuSpar) and its advantages and disadvantages

other drugs with some depressant-like effects (LECTURE) but which are not CNS depressants