Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines Psychology 3506 Introduction Along with
Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines Psychology 3506
Introduction Along with methaqualone and meprobamate, they are in the sedativehypnotic and tranquilizer category l Basically they are tranquillizers l Like drinks and gas sniffing, they facilitate the functioning of GABA, the universal inhibitory neurotransmitter. l
Introduction Barbiturates basically replaced things like opium and brandy for MDs l Phenobarbital is still used to prevent seizures l Sternback et al discovered the benzodiazepines by brute force. l l Discovered l Rohypnol diazepam (Valium)
Administration Rapid effect, go with IV l Long term, oral better l Diazepam is the quickest, 30 min peak l Absorption from digestive system is GREATLY increased by taking alcohol l l Superadditive l Great deal of variability
Distribution More lipid soluble ones go through BB barrier more quickly l Redistributed to fat cells l l Biphasic curve Many metabolites are also psychoactive l Also cross the placental barrier too… l
Neurophysiology l l Modifies the effect of GABA lets Cl- in l l Harder to fire Positive GABA modulators Make GABA more effective Barbiturates can open ion channel all by themselves at higher levels
Effects Barbiturates affect blood pressure, benzodiazepines do not. l Both have anti convulsant properties l Benzodiazepines are good muscle relaxants l REM effects l REM rebound l Euphoria, ‘liking’ and fatigue l
More effects Confusion l Decrease in visual acuity l Divided attention becomes more difficult l Reaction time l Acquisition but not recall effects l Hangover l DO NOT DRIVE l
Even more effects l More exploration in lab animals l Huh? l Disinhibition? l Less l anxiety probably Increase FR responding, decrease FI l Timing effect? Increase in punished behaviour l Dissociation effects l
Tolerance Acute tolerance develops virtually right away l Chronic tolerance seems first to develop to the depressant effects l Next to the antianxiety effects l Cross tolerance within benzodiazepines l Some cross tolerance to barbiturates and alcohol l
Withdrawal l Barbiturates l REM Rebound l Tremors l Insomnia l Nausea l Seizures l Hallucinations
Withdrawal l Benzodiazepines l Agitation l Depression l Pain l DTs l REM rebound l Two stage withdrawal
Self-administration Most people will NOT choose to take these l Some will, but usually if they have a history of alcohol or sedative use l If you like alcohol, you will like these! l Iatrogenic use and doctor shopping l Street use, smoothing out a speed rush and as a substitute for Heroin l
Bad stuff Birth defects (barbiturates for sure, maybe benzodiazepines) l Newborns go through withdrawal l Demasculanizing effects l Aggression and violence l LD shows no tolerance but ED does, so…. . l OD l
Treatment Have to get over the withdrawal first l Detox in other words l Under a Doc’s care l 12 step programs l Contracting l Tough with people using it illegally, hard to get them to admit to it etc l
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