Analgesics, CNS Depressants, and

Antiepileptics

Definitions & Terms to Know

Pain (acute vs chronic vs somatic vs phantom vs special)AnalgesiaAddictionAdjuventProstaglandinAgonist

Agonist-AntagonistAntagonistHypnoticGABASedativeAutoinductionSeizureConvulsionEpilepsy

Non-Pharmalogical Interventions for Pain

ReliefH_______ or C_________M________________D________________I______________M________, A____, or P____TherapyR______________Therapeutic C__________________

Gate Theory of Pain Transmission and Relief Pain causes chemo-receptors to be released.Message sent along sensory nerves to the spinal cord “gates.”Gate is controlled by the brain, not the peripheral nerves.When impulses are stopped at the gate, no pain is “felt” by the brain.Cells that control the Gate have a threshold, some impulses overcome the threshold to travel to the brain.

AcetaminophenInhibits prostaglandin synthesisAnalgesicAntipyreticHepatic necrosis c overdose (>4000mg/d)

antidote is Mucomyst(acetylsisteine)Nephropathy with long term useNumerous combos

OpioidsAgonist action- binds to pain receptors.Antagonist action- reverses the action of agonist on pain receptors.

Chemo-receptors: P________________E____________, S________, H_______,B________________

Opioids (cont.)Uses: pain, cough, diarrhea, anesthesiaSide Effects: Constipation, sedation, dependence, hypotension, respiratory depression, itching, urinary retention, N&V Adverse effects: paralitic ileus, hypoventilation, respiratory arrest, addiction, hallucinationInteractions: Potentiates other CNS deprsnts.

BarbituratesUses: Insomnia, seizures/epilepsy, Many side effects, narrow therapeutic index, addictive, deprived of REM sleep = rebound nightmares on cessation

BenzodiazepinesUses: Insomnia (sedative-hypnotic), anxiety (anxiolytic), alcohol withdrawal (competes with CNS receptors) muscle spasms (skeletal muscle relaxant)Side Effects: Headache drowsiness, dizziness

Skeletal Muscle RelaxantsUses: muscle spasticity from acute injury or chronic diseaseSide effects: lightheaded , dizziness, drowsiness, muscle weakness, constipation

Antiepileptic AgentsUses: various seizures and convulsions (suppress transmission of nerve impulses)Side Effects: drowsiness, agranulocytosis, gingival hyperplasia, “Dilantin Facies,” dysrhythmias, drug interactions, numerous others

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