Download Dependence potential

Category – Depressants
Property
Benzodiazapines
Physical dependence more likely with
Physical dependence drugs that have a short duration of action
Psychological dependence more likely
with drugs that have a rapid onset of
Psychological dependence
effects
Tolerance
Generally, tolerance to the hypnotic and
Drug disposition sedative effects occurs within days,
however, tolerance to the anxiolytic
effects of benzodiazepines takes longer
Behavioral to develop.
Cross tolerance can occur also. Cross
tolerance means that tolerance will
Pharmacodynamic develop to other depressants such as
barbiturates and alcohol
Anxiety, insomnia, tremors, delirium,
Withdrawal convulsions possible death
Frequent visits to different physicians for
prescriptions to treat "nervousness,"
"anxiety," "stress," and so on.
Symptoms of alcohol intoxication with no
alcohol odor on breath (remember that
Abuse potential depressants are frequently used with
alcohol)
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lack of facial expression or animation
flat affect
flaccid appearance
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slurred speech
Most abuse associated with oral use of
legally manufactured products
Two types of typical abusers
Older adults using prescription drug,
tolerance develops, dose increases
Younger people who obtain drugs to
get high; may take high doses and/or
mix with alcohol
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Depends on time course and dosasge
Craving potential
Depends on time course and dosage
Addictive potential (disease)
1.
Acute Toxicity
Chronic toxicity
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Physiological Toxicity 
Physiological
Respiratory depression
Especially dangerous if combined with
alcohol
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Behavioral
Alcohol-like intoxication with impaired
judgment and coordination
Increased risk of injury while driving or
engaging in other activities
Additive effects if combined with
alcohol
Behavioral toxicity
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Reinforcer
Oral ingestion
Route of administration
Depends on type of benzodiazepine
Time course See
http://helpingaddicts.net/tranquilizers.htm
Depends on type see
How long effects last http://helpingaddicts.net/tranquilizers.htm
Depends on type
Effective dose See
http://helpingaddicts.net/tranquilizers.htm
Depends on type
Lethal dose http://helpingaddicts.net/tranquilizers.htm
Safety margin
Can interact with alcohol and
Drug interactions barbiturates which will increase sedation
and psychomotor impairment
See
How much needed http://helpingaddicts.net/tranquilizers.htm
See table 7.2 on page 163 in Ksir book
Half-life
Metabolized by Cytochrome P450 in the
How metabolized liver
Benzodiazapines bind to GABA receptor
sites which enhances GABA’s inhibitory
effects on its receptors. There are different
Neurotransmitters affected subtypes of GABA receptors, so its
possible to separate out the anti-anxiety
effects from the hypnotic effects. Lunesta
and Ambien are examples of
benzodiazapines that are better at sleep
induction (hypnotic effects)
Circuitry affected
Ativan, Dalmane, Halcyon, Librium,
Trade/street name Valium, Xanax
Possible effects
Shallow respiration, cold and clammy
Effects of overdose skin, weak and rapid pulse, coma,
possible death
drowsiness, ataxia, confusion, vertigo,
impaired judgment, slurred speech,
memory loss and a number of other
Side Effects effects are common
Problems can be particularly bad among
the elderly
Anxiolytic effects – anti-anxiety effects.
Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin and Valium are
found on the top 100 most commonly
Beneficial effects prescribed drugs list.
Also work as muscle relaxants
Also work as hypnotics