Rx for sleep/anxiety

1. Antihistamines

1.1. Block CNS hist.-1

1.2. Active ingred in most OTC sedatives

1.3. For pts with pre-existing resp. illness

1.4. Antichol. Props: dry mouth, tachycardia, urinary retention, constipation

2. Nursing Management

2.1. No crush/chew SR tabs

2.2. Older Adults Caution

2.3. No ETOH

2.4. Upset Stomach? Food!

2.5. Initial avoidance of activity

3. Effects

3.1. Anxiolytic, Sedative, Hypnotic...zzzzzz's!

3.2. Anticonvulsant, Analgesic, Anesthetic

3.3. Muscle Relaxant

4. Benzodiazepines (Lorazepam)

4.1. Pharmacotherapeutics

4.1.1. Short-tm insomnia

4.1.1.1. Anxiolytic

4.2. Pharmacokinetics

4.2.1. Increase GABA

4.2.2. Physical dependence

4.3. Adv. Effects

4.3.1. CNS dep, zzzzz's (even in day)

4.3.2. Insomnia (rapid withdrawal), Tolerance (2 wks), lethal if taken with other CNS depressants

4.4. Other Considerations

4.4.1. COPD, Older Adult, Asian Culture

4.4.2. No ETOH