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Flashcards in BDZ Deck (18)
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1
Q

What is the standard treatment for benzodiazepine overdose or for reversing BZDs administered prior to surgery?

A

Flumazenil

2
Q

Ethanol, benzodiazepines and barbituates all stimulate the GABA receptor. In what way do they do so?

A

Allosterically binding, hence increasing the affinity of GABA to the receptor.

3
Q

Z-drugs have a higher or lower affinity for GABA receptors?

A

Higher

4
Q

What are the four clinical (symptomatic) stages of increasing benzodiazepine dosing?

A
  1. Tranquilisation (relaxed, unconcerned)
  2. Sedation (decreased activity, decreased excitement)
  3. Hypnotism (increased drowsiness, onset and maintenance of sleep)
  4. General anaesthesia (LOC, inability to arouse patient)
5
Q

Benzodiazepines are bond weakly or strongly to plasma proteins?

A

Strongly.

6
Q

Hypnotic BZDs are usually short-acting or long-acting?

A

Short-acting

7
Q

What are benzodiazepines used for treating?

A

Anxiety, insomnia, epilepsy and muscle spasms.

8
Q

Benzodiazepines bind across which GABA subunits?

A

Alpha and gamma subunits.

9
Q

Anxiolytic and anticonvulsant BZDs are usually long-acting or short-acting?

A

Long-acting.

10
Q

Although Z-drugs have similar effects to benzodiazepines, they are not structurally related to them, true or false.

A

True

11
Q

Benzodiazepines are safer than barbituates wrt overdoses, why?

A

They can cause death due to CVS and respiratory depression.

12
Q

Which drugs have overtaken BZDs in the Rx of insomnia?

A

Zopiclone and zolpidem.

13
Q

Respiratory depression can occur only with BZDs in what situation?

A

When co-ingested with another CNS depressant, such as alcohol. Otherwise it is very safe in overdose.

14
Q

Explain the mechanism of tolerance and dependence of benzodiazepines.

A

Gotcha! It’s unknown.

15
Q

Benzodiazepines have a slow onset of withdrawal, why?

A

Due to the long half life.

16
Q

Re: BZD overdose.

If ingestion is less than four hours prior or the patient is symptomatic but time of ingestion is unknown what is the ED Rx?

A

Activated charcoal, single dose.

17
Q

Re: BZD overdose.

If ingestion is less than one hour prior, what is the ED Rx?

A

Gastric lavage.

18
Q

What is the standard treatment for benzodiazepine overdose or for reversing BZDs administered prior to surgery?

A

Flumazenil