PS268 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Chloral Hydrate, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Epilepsy
Document Summary
History and pharmacology of depressants: depressant drugs share many characteristics with alcohol, before barbiturates. Number of medications used prior to introduction of barbiturates. Has short onset of action and 1-2g will induce sleep in less than an hour. Chloral hydrate abusers grouped with alcohol intempereants and opium eaters. Gastric irritant and can cause considerable stomach upset. Has noxious taste, but may be of great use as cns depressant because of wide safety margin. Accumulates in body and cause build up over several days of regular use. Severe toxic effects following repeated hypnotic doses. Dermatitis and constipation, motor disturbance, delirium and psychosis are side: barbiturates effects. Veronal first clinically used in 1903: all barbiturates end with al. Most lipid-soluble drugs have shortest onset time and quickest duration of action. Low dose of long acting barbiturate calm and relaxed for long period. Higher dose of short acting sleeping pill. Depress respiration: combined with alcohol, can stop person"s breathing.
