A pharmacologic class that depresses the central nervous system by potentiating the effects of GABA
GABA– the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It functions to reduce neuronal excitability by inhibiting nerve transmission.
Uses
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Panic disorder
- Seizures
- Muscle relaxant
- Anesthesia
Contraindications
- Hypotension
- Decreased LOC
- History of addiction to sedative-hypnotic drugs
- Renal failure
- Pregnancy & Lactation
Patient Teaching
Avoid alcohol while taking benzodiazepines
Avoid other CNS depressants unless prescribed to be taken together
Avoid breastfeeding while taking benzos
Avoid abrupt discontinuation
Interactions
- Alcohol, other CNS depressants
- Phenytoin: altered response to phenytoin
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors: increased serum levels of barbiturates
- Oral anticoagulants, digoxin, corticosteroids, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), oralcontraceptives, acetaminophen, metronidazole, carbamazepine: reduced effectivity of these drugs because of enzyme induction effect of barbiturates
| Nursing Assessment |
|---|
| • Administer intravenous diuretics slowly because rapid administration may cause cardiac problems. • Vital signs and respiratory rate and O2 • Provide safety measures to prevent injuries. • Monitor neurological status/LOC • Monitor patient response to therapy • Monitor for adverse effects e.g. hypotension • Take with food • Can’t abruptly just stop the medication if taking over a period of time MUST be tapered off • Educate about avoiding activities that require focus and coordination |
Nursing Interventions
- Monitor vital signs, weight, fluid & electrolytes
- Monitor hepatic and renal function and CBC
- I and O
- Abuse potential
Be familiar with signs of toxicity:
o Altered mental status (very drowsy or coma, agitated, confused)
o Decreased respirations
o Speech garbled or slurred
Nursing Interventions for toxicity: activated charcoal or saline cathartics, administer flumazenil to reverse sedation, IVF to maintain blood pressure