This document discusses anxiolytics and hypnotics, which are medications that slow brain activity. Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed but should be limited to less than 2 weeks due to risk of dependence. Anxiolytics and hypnotics fall into two categories - benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines. Antidepressants are also used to treat anxiety disorders. While overall benzodiazepine use has decreased since the 1980s, it remains high, especially in women and older age groups. The therapeutic actions, risks, and guidelines for safe use of benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics like zopiclone are outlined
This document discusses anxiolytics and hypnotics, which are medications that slow brain activity. Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed but should be limited to less than 2 weeks due to risk of dependence. Anxiolytics and hypnotics fall into two categories - benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines. Antidepressants are also used to treat anxiety disorders. While overall benzodiazepine use has decreased since the 1980s, it remains high, especially in women and older age groups. The therapeutic actions, risks, and guidelines for safe use of benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics like zopiclone are outlined
This document discusses anxiolytics and hypnotics, which are medications that slow brain activity. Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed but should be limited to less than 2 weeks due to risk of dependence. Anxiolytics and hypnotics fall into two categories - benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines. Antidepressants are also used to treat anxiety disorders. While overall benzodiazepine use has decreased since the 1980s, it remains high, especially in women and older age groups. The therapeutic actions, risks, and guidelines for safe use of benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics like zopiclone are outlined
This document discusses anxiolytics and hypnotics, which are medications that slow brain activity. Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed but should be limited to less than 2 weeks due to risk of dependence. Anxiolytics and hypnotics fall into two categories - benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines. Antidepressants are also used to treat anxiety disorders. While overall benzodiazepine use has decreased since the 1980s, it remains high, especially in women and older age groups. The therapeutic actions, risks, and guidelines for safe use of benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics like zopiclone are outlined
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Anxiolytics and Hypnotics by Sue Henderson
Introduction Anxiolytics and hypnotics slow some brain activity.
Benzodiazepines, the most commonly used anxiolytics and hypnotics, are more frequently used in primary care rather than in psychiatry and are often prescribed for problems that could be more effectively managed with non-drug therapies. Benzodiazepines should not be first line therapy in anxiety or sleep management. If prescribed their use should be limited to less than 2 weeks (NPS, 1999). Anxiolytics and hypnotics are divided into 2 major groups the benzodiazepines and non benzodiazepines. Anxiolytics: 1. Benzodiazepine e.g. Diazepam 2. Non Benzodiazepine e.g. Buspirone Hypnotics: 1. Benzodiazepine e.g. Temazepam 2. Non Benzodiazepine e.g. Zopiclone Antidepressants are also prescribed to treat anxiety disorders (see antidepressants for details). Antidepressant Clomipramine (TCA) Fluvoxamine (SSRI) Paroxetine (SSRI) Sertraline (SSRI) Venlafaxine (SNRI) Fluoxetine (SSRI)
5% of Australians had used a benzodiazepine for anxiety management in the 2 weeks prior to the survey. Benzodiazepine use was higher in women and in older age groups (mostly due to sleeping tabs).
Overall use has fallen since 80s but total use remains high (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2006). Therapeutic actions of benzodiazepines Hypnotic (sleep inducing) Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) Anticonvulsant (anti-fit) Amnestic (memory) Myorelaxant (muscle relaxant) In what medical circumstances might the amnestic properties of benzodiazepines be useful? Answer: Unpleasant surgical or test procedures e.g. colonoscopy Why are benzodiazepines useful in the treatment of alcohol detoxification? Answer: Alcohol and benzodiazepines are both CNS depressants. Benzos can be gradually tapered off preventing rebound CNS over excitability. Can they be used in the long term to prevent further alcohol abuse? Answer: They cannot be used in the long term because they are addictive. People addicted to alcohol have cross addiction with benzodiazepines. What is the difference between an anti-anxiety medication and a hypnotic? Answer: Hypnotics induce sleep. Hypnotics at lower doses cause sedation (anti-anxiety effect) Anti-anxiety drugs result in a reduction in anxiety but can induce sleep in higher doses Benzodiazepines can safely be prescribed during pregnancy. a. True b. False #
Dose Equivalents All benzodiazepines are equally effective but differ in their metabolism, speed of onset and half life Short Acting: 3 - 8 hrs Oxazepam Temazepam Triazolam Buspirone* Zopiclone* Intermediate Acting: 10 - 20 Alprazolam Bromazepam Clobazam Clonazepam Flunitrazepam Lorazepam Nitrazepam Hypnotics
hours
Long Acting 1- 3 days:
Diazepam Why are short acting benzodiazepines more of a problem with addiction than the long acting ones? Answer: Drugs with short half lives are cleared from the bloodstream fairly quickly and may induce withdrawal effects such as rebound excitement and insomnia. Those with longer half lives are cleared less quickly resulting in a decrease in withdrawal effects. The resulting slow drop in blood levels allows the body to adjust to the lack of drug more effectively Explain the benefit of using Temazepam over Nitrazepam for assisting with sleep. Why should hypnotics be used for a limited time to assist with sleep? Temazepam is short acting and will induce sleep but not cause a hangover effect. Prolonged use of benzodiazepines can result in tolerance (more drug needed to induce same effect)
Dependency cycle of benzodiazepines
Use of benzodiazepine Even more anxious
Reduced anxiety Effect wears off
Benzodiazepines: Action Agonist = Facilitate
Benzodiazepines bind to a site near the GABA binding site thus facilitating the action of GABA
Benzodiazepines are a CNS depressant that enhances the effect of GABA. GABA is a neurotransmitter that inhibits neuronal activity thus reducing the firing rate of neurones.
Combining CNS depressants
Contra-indications Myasthenia gravis. Severe respiratory impairment e.g sleep apnoea & COAD (? Due to greater muscle relaxation and depressed arousal response) Pregnancy & lactation Adverse Effects Physical dependence occurs in about 1 in 3 consumers. History sub abuse increased risk of dependence Increased accident risk Tolerance & rebound insomnia Alcohol & CNS depressants potentiate adverse effects. 60y+ increased vulnerability to confusion, memory impairment, over sedation (most common ADE) & falls. Adverse mood effects: depression, emotional anaesthesia, aggression, increased suicide risk in elderly. Withdrawal from Benzodiazepines Abrupt cessation increases risk of seizures Withdrawal symptoms may occur between doses during continuous use (inter-dose withdrawal). Consumers may think these symptoms are due to the original problem. Withdrawal symptoms: increased anxiety, sleep disorder, aching limbs, nervousness and nausea. Withdrawal experienced by 45% of consumers discontinuing low dose benzodiazepines and 100% consumers on high doses. Short half life benzodiazepines are associated with more acute & intense withdrawal symptoms. Long half life benzodiazepines - milder, more delayed withdrawal (NPS, 1999). Benzodiazepines should not be ceased abruptly. Dose reduced by 10-20% per week and allow consumer to stabilise between each reduction.
Admission for high dose users, history of seizures or psychosis, or for more rapid withdrawal. Implement relaxation/cognitive techniques. If necessary referral: o Drug & Alcohol Services o Self Help group TRANX www.tranx.org.au o Psychologist (for CBT)
Overdose (OD) Benzodiazepines
Generally safe in OD unless mixed with alcohol/CNS depressants. Symptoms O/D: hypotension, respiratory depression & coma. Treatment: Supportive Flumazenil rarely indicated but if IV Flumazenil used note: Dangerous to use if mixed overdose (e.g benzodiazepines + tricyclics, amphetamines, other pro-convulsants) Result in uncontrolled seizure In dependent individuals severe withdrawal IV Flumazenil (Antagonist). Observe for several hours after dose for re-emergence of sedation as flumazenil wears off Flumazenil is an Antagonist = Blocker
Flumazenil binds to the GABA receptor, which is the benzodiazepine binding site, but does not facilitate the action of GABA. In doing so it displaces any benzodiazepine present on the receptor, thus reversing the action of the benzodiazepine.
Non benzo Anxiolytic:
Buspirone (Buspar) Different action to benzodiazepines Not a CNS depressant. Partial agonist (stimulant) of dopaminergic and serotoninergic receptors. No sedation, anti-convulsant or muscle relaxant properties - just anxiolytic. Delayed action (1-2 weeks) Effect reduced if benzodiazepine used in last 3/12 Comparison of benzodiazepine and buspirone Benzodiazepine Rapid onset Can cause sedation May impair performance Additive effects with alcohol May cause dependence & withdrawal Pharmacokinetic change with age Associated with falls in elderly
Buspirone Delayed onset (cannot be used PRN) Does not cause sedation Does not impair performance No additive effect with alcohol Non addictive No pharmacokinetic with age Does not cause falls in elderly Expensive (not on PBS)
(Keltner & Folks, 2001)
Presentation: Buspar White scored 5 mg & 10 mg tabs
Buspirone is an Agonist = Mimic
Buspirone attaches to serotonin receptor mimicking serotonin.
Non benzo Hypnotic: Zopiclone (Imovane)
Similar action, side effects & contraindications to benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines key points Should not be used in consumers with liver disease, history of substance abuse, during pregnancy, performing hazardous tasks Assess for over sedation Cease slowly Monitor elderly (cognition, falls) Caution regarding raised seizure threshold and ability to potentiate CNS depressants. especially alcohol Hypnotic key points Advise regarding rebound insomnia when medication is ceased Should not be used in sleep apnoea Avoid alcohol Hangover effect (impairing performance) Monitor in elderly (falls, double dosing) Topic review question Which of the following should be avoided in consumers with sleep apnoea? a. b. c. d.
Weight loss Alcohol and/or sedatives # Upper airway surgery Positive airway pressure therapy
References Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2006). National health survey 2004-05: Summary of results. Canberra: Australian Bureau of Statistics. Fortinash, K. M., & Holoday-Worret, P. A. (2000). Psychiatric mental health nursing ( 2nd ed.). St. Louis: Mosby. Galbraith, A., Bullock, S. & Manias, E. (2001). Fundamentals of pharmacology (3rd ed.). Melbourne: Prentice Hall. Julien, R. M. (2001). A primer of drug action: A concise, non-technical guide to the actions, uses, and side effects of psychoactive drugs (Rev. and updated.). New York: W. H. Freeman and Co. Keltner, N. L., & Folks, D. G. (2001). Psychotropic drugs (3rd ed.). St. Louis: Mosby. National Prescribing Service. (1999). Helping patients withdraw. National Prescribing Service Newsletter, No. 4 June. National Prescribing Service. (1999). Benzodiazepines reviewing long term use: A suggested approach. Prescribing Practice Review, No. 4 July.
