Clozapine Chapter 7 Summary

Xanax is a benzodiazepine that is most often used to treat anxiety. The effects of benzodiazepines mainly come from their ability to alter the movement of the inhibitory transmitter known as GABAa. GABA is triggered to release when it then can bind to the GABAa receptor. The binding of the two causes the ion channel to open and chloride ions are sent across the cell membrane. This causes the inhibitory factor by depolarizing the membrane (Griffin et al., 2013).

Recent studies indicate that limiting the use of certain medications can improve a senior's life. One study, conducted by researchers at Indiana University, finds that the prolonged use of anticholinergics may cause physical changes within the brain that could lead to dementia. Furthermore, The Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement (CFHI) released information related to a program it started in 2014: This study examined how the discontinuation of antipsychotic medications affected the seniors who were taking them to treat dementia. The results indicate that seniors’ lives may improve when antipsychotic medications (that are being used to treat dementia) are discontinued.

In addition to taking stimulants, Wunder explains that most patients suffering from narcolepsy also have to take anti-depressants to maintain alertness and avoid excessive amounts of fatigue, loss of muscle tone and strength, and sleep paralysis. Some of the anti-depressants prescribed to narcoleptic patients includes: “imipramine (Tofranil), desimpramine (Norpramin), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft).” Scientists and researchers are able to make more advanced medicines to make life more livable for those who have narcolepsy. Hopefully, narcoleptic patients will soon be able to live a life without having to worry about suddenly falling asleep and missing the events occurring in their lives.

Thank you very much for referring Michael along for his significant issues with sleep. As you are aware, this has been a long-term, intermittent issue which has become quite profound since October last year when his mother passed away. Whilst he has always has had some issues with underlying anxiety which has subsequently affected his sleep. Prior to commencing Seroquel recently, he was reporting only sleeping on one to two hours per night. He was going to bed at 10..00pm and felt he was tossing and turning all night until 6.00am. He has tried a range of medications for his sleep and also had his anti-anxiety medication changed from his Lexapro to 200mg of Pristiq. He is also taking Lyrica 75mg at night and currently taking Seropel 25mg with 5mg of Valium.

The adverse effects of drug-drug interactions in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder can be severe and depends mainly on the pharmacokinetic properties of the drug. Both the distances between drug targets and the comparison of target neighbors are important when when administering olanzapine in combination with other drugs due to its effects on the CNS. To avoid severe adverse effects such as sedation, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia or transaminase the prescribing drugs in combination such as olanzapine with fluvoxamine or diazepam should be therapeutically monitored while drugs such as sertraline will not cause adverse effects. (Spina, E., de Leon, J., (2007)).

Jorge did not have any documented or reported drug adverse reaction or medication side effects that required medical treatment during this quarter. His current medication regimen appears to be effective.

These drugs have the ability to reduce CNS activity causing the drug to promote fatigue which allows for a more productive sleep. Benzodiazepines that are intended to treat insomnia are classified as hypnotics. Some benzodiazepines are considered sedatives because they are prescribed to relax and calm patients which allows successful treatment for anxiety. Benzodiazepines are considered to substantially less dangerous than barbiturates because there are usually lower doses prescribed which lead to fewer instances of addiction. However, these drugs can be considered dangerous when they are combined with alcohol. Mixing barbiturates with alcohol can cause heightened and harmful

Xyrem is a new medication for narcolepsy that help people to get better sleep at night and allow the person to have less sleepy during the day.

Benzodiazepines are anxiolytic tranquilizers used for medical conditions such as anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, insomnia, and muscle relaxation. Generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD is one of the most common mental illnesses benzodiazepines are responsible for combating. GAD is a disorder in which a person experiences constant, low-level anxiety (Wesely, 2014, p. 244). They act on the central nervous system as they produce sedation and lower anxiety levels (eMedicine Health). As stated by Yakugaku Zasshi in his journal article, “Benzodiazepines (BZs) work by agonising gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor complex and

I enjoyed reading your post. Brett and Murnion (2015) recognizes the harm of benzodiazepine dependence; it is accounted for cognitive decline and falls in the elderly, not to mention, increased mortality and morbidity rate due to overdosing with these type of medication. I agree with Celso, these drugs are commonly used for insomnia and anxiety.

Sedative-hypnotics, including benzodiazepines, are a group of drugs used to treat the symptoms of anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia.

Antipsychotics are classified as major tranquilizers that are used to treat mental health illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses. They can also treat severe depression and severe anxiety. These antipsychotics drugs reduce or increase the effect of neurotransmitters in the brain to regulate levels that help transfer information throughout the brain. The neurotransmitters that are affected are the serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline.

Hypnotic drugs produce sleeping effects on individuals. There are different groups of these sleeping aids. The most common of these groups are the barbiturates, benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines. Here, aim to take a look at these three groups and find which group is better for patients who are suffering from insomnia.

Alprazolam or Xanax is a medication, an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety agent), a medium-term benzodiazepine derivative that is used to treat panic disorders, anxiety neuroses such as anxiety disorder or social phobia. Alprazolam is close to triazolam by its chemical structure, differs from the absence of the Cl atom at phenyl at position. Alprazolam has less pronounced hypnotic effect. It is used mainly for short-term withdrawal of feelings of anxiety and fear.

The use of any medication such as a benzodiazepine to assist with Miguel’s difficulty sleeping would not be considered at this time because of his alcohol use. The mixture of a benzodiazepine and alcohol can be dangerous, therefore not until his alcohol use is under control can a sleep aid, anxiety or depression medication can be prescribed. It is even more imperative that this is taken into consideration to ensure that Miguel takes the necessary steps to seek help.