Question 1

Which of the following benzodiazepine agents would be suitable for a plane journey where the traveller is having trouble getting to sleep?&#10;A) Clobazam&#10;B) Diazepam&#10;C) Triazolam&#10;D) Nitrazepam

Accepted Answer

Triazolam has a short half-life and quick onset time, making it a suitable choice for a plane journey where the traveller is having trouble getting to sleep. Diazepam and nitrazepam have longer half-lives and may cause residual drowsiness the next day. Clobazam is not typically used for insomnia.

Question 2

Which benzodiazepine agent would be considered suitable for a person who has problems with early morning awakening?&#10;A) Triazolam&#10;B) Diazepam&#10;C) Temazepam&#10;D) Flunitrazepam

Accepted Answer

Temazepam is a benzodiazepine agent that is commonly used to treat insomnia due to its long half-life and ability to improve sleep continuity. It is specifically indicated for individuals who have difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep throughout the night, including early morning awakening. Triazolam, on the other hand, has a short half-life and is more appropriate for individuals who have difficulty falling asleep but do not experience early-morning awakening. Diazepam and flunitrazepam are also longer-acting benzodiazepines but are not as commonly used for insomnia due to their potential for dependence and tolerance.

Question 3

More than how many weeks of continuous treatment with benzodiazepines results in dependence and tolerance?&#10;A) One week&#10;B) Two to four weeks&#10;C) Four to six weeks&#10;D) Six to eight weeks

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepine dependence and tolerance can develop after two to four weeks of continuous use. It is important to monitor patients closely and avoid long-term use or abrupt discontinuation of these medications, as withdrawal symptoms can be severe.

Question 4

Which one of the following anxiolytic/sedative drugs can directly activate GABA receptors,even in the absence of GABA itself?&#10;A) Benzodiazepines&#10;B) Buspirone&#10;C) Barbiturates&#10;D) Dexmedetomidine

Accepted Answer

Barbiturates can directly activate GABA receptors, even in the absence of GABA itself, by increasing the duration of the opening of the chloride ion channel. This allows more chloride ions to flow into the cell, hyperpolarizing it and reducing its excitability. Benzodiazepines potentiate the effects of GABA, but do not directly activate GABA receptors. Buspirone acts as a partial agonist at serotonin receptors and has no effect on GABA receptors. Dexmedetomidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist and has no effect on GABA receptors.

Question 5

Benzodiazepines can induce:&#10;A) amnesia.&#10;B) rage.&#10;C) depression.&#10;D) all of the above.

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines can induce amnesia, rage, and depression among other side effects. These drugs affect the central nervous system and can have a variety of psychological effects.

Question 6

Which benzodiazepine is sometimes useful in the treatment of endogenous depression?&#10;A) Alprazolam&#10;B) Triazolam&#10;C) Diazepam&#10;D) Flunitrazepam

Accepted Answer

Alprazolam has been found to have antidepressant effects and can be useful in the treatment of endogenous depression, especially in patients who have not responded to conventional antidepressants.

Question 7

Explain why hypnotic agents should not be used for long-term therapy.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain why hypnotic agents should not be...

Deck 34: Anxiolytics and Hypnotics