Author Question: Why did benzodiazepines generally replace barbiturates in the treatment of insomnia? What will be ... (Read 67 times)

EAugust

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 550
Why did benzodiazepines generally replace barbiturates in the treatment of insomnia?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Describe two major pharmacological differences between alcohol and the short acting benzodiazepines.
 
  What will be an ideal response?



scikid

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 300
Answer to Question 1

Because benzodiazepines have much higher therapeutic indexes, induce less disruptive effects on REM sleep, have less psychological dependence potential, and are less likely to induce severe physical dependence and withdrawal effects with chronic use.

Answer to Question 2

Alcohol has a generalized action on all neurons because it fluidizes the neuronal membranes and exerts effects on a variety of neurotransmitters systems, e.g., NMDA and GABA, whereas benzodiazepines bind specifically to GABA receptors. Alcohol has a relatively low therapeutic index and exerts toxic effects on numerous organs of the body, e.g., liver, brain, whereas benzodiazepines have a relatively high therapeutic index and exerts minimal toxic effects on the body. Alcohol tends to elevate P450 enzymes, while benzodiazepines tend not to. Alcohol tends to suppress REM sleep, whereas benzodiazepines tend to interfere with deeper stages of sleep.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

Asthma cases in Americans are about 75% higher today than they were in 1980.

Did you know?

Malaria mortality rates are falling. Increased malaria prevention and control measures have greatly improved these rates. Since 2000, malaria mortality rates have fallen globally by 60% among all age groups, and by 65% among children under age 5.

Did you know?

During the twentieth century, a variant of the metric system was used in Russia and France in which the base unit of mass was the tonne. Instead of kilograms, this system used millitonnes (mt).

Did you know?

Studies show that systolic blood pressure can be significantly lowered by taking statins. In fact, the higher the patient's baseline blood pressure, the greater the effect of statins on his or her blood pressure.

Did you know?

Blastomycosis is often misdiagnosed, resulting in tragic outcomes. It is caused by a fungus living in moist soil, in wooded areas of the United States and Canada. If inhaled, the fungus can cause mild breathing problems that may worsen and cause serious illness and even death.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library