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Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Benzodiazepines01:19

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Benzodiazepines have both sedative and hypnotic properties. They include compounds such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax). Structurally, their cores are similar, consisting of the fusion of a benzene ring and a diazepine ring, but they share a common mechanism of action in the central nervous system (CNS).
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CNS depressants include drugs from the category of barbiturates and benzodiazepines. They are valuable medications for managing anxiety disorders and insomnia. Barbiturates, once used to induce and maintain sleep, have been replaced mainly by benzodiazepines due to barbiturate's toxicity, tolerance, and overdose risks. They interact with GABAA receptors, leading to sedation at low doses and potentially coma and death at higher doses. Phenobarbital, a long-acting barbiturate, possesses...
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Benzodiazepines are a class of anxiolytic drugs known for their rapid efficacy and high therapeutic-to-lethal dose ratio, but with a potential risk of drug dependence. These drugs are lipophilic, allowing for rapid absorption after oral administration, eventually reaching the central nervous system (CNS). Once in the CNS, benzodiazepines bind to the allosteric site of the GABAA receptor. This binding enhances the inhibitory effects of the neurotransmitter GABA. By doing so, they prevent...
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Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents01:17

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Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
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Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview01:23

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Sedatives are drugs that alleviate anxiety, while hypnotics induce sleep. Both classes of medication suppress neuronal activity, leading to a calming effect for sedatives and facilitating sleep for hypnotics.
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Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Barbiturates01:20

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Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a drug class that acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to alleviate anxiety, promote relaxation and induce sleep.These drugs function by amplifying the actions of the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), resulting in reduced neuronal activity. Barbiturates, a subset of sedatives and hypnotics first synthesized in the late 1800s, are categorized into ultra-short, short, intermediate, and long-acting groups based on their duration of effect. A...
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Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
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Benzodiazepines: Sedation and Agitation.

Catherine Gallagher

    Dental Update
    |March 31, 2016
    PubMed
    Summary

    Dental anxiety affects many patients, but conscious sedation with benzodiazepines helps. Understanding how these drugs work is key, as sedation can sometimes fail even with this common dental anxiety treatment.

    Area of Science:

    • Dentistry
    • Pharmacology
    • Anesthesiology

    Background:

    • Dental anxiety is a significant barrier to essential dental care.
    • Conscious sedation has improved treatment accessibility for anxious patients.
    • Benzodiazepines are the primary pharmacological agents used in dental sedation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To provide an update on benzodiazepines for dental sedation.
    • To explore the mechanism of action of benzodiazepines in sedation.
    • To enhance understanding of benzodiazepine-induced sedation failures.

    Main Methods:

    • Literature review on benzodiazepine pharmacology and clinical use in dentistry.
    • Analysis of factors contributing to sedation efficacy and failure.
    • Discussion of clinical relevance for dental practitioners.

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    Main Results:

    • Benzodiazepines are widely used and generally effective for dental sedation.
    • Individual patient responses to benzodiazepines can vary.
    • Understanding the mechanism of action is crucial for managing sedation outcomes.

    Conclusions:

    • An updated understanding of benzodiazepines is timely for dentists providing sedation.
    • Knowledge of benzodiazepine mechanisms can improve patient management and address sedation failures.
    • This review aims to inform clinical practice regarding benzodiazepine use in anxious dental patients.