Doses of cns depressants are tapered medications uses

Doses of CNS depressants are tapered.
Medications Uses : Chlordiazepoxide
(Librium) Phenobarbital
(Luminal Sodium)
Diazepam (Valium) Lorazepam (Ativan)
Detoxification can be extended up to 2
weeks or longer when the drug of
addiction is long acting.
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium), haloperidol
(Haldol), and anti-hypertensive are
usually effective.
CNS Stimulants
(Cocaine,
Amphetamines)
Wide variations in
onset from a few
hours to several
days.
Dysphoric mood,
agitation, suicidal
ideation, fatigue,
insomnia, vivid dreams,
extended sleep, hunger,
and drug craving.
Stabilize vital signs; control behavior.
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium), haloperidol
(Haldol), and antihypertensive are usually
effective.
Caffeine
(stimulant)
Hours to days Anxiety, fatigue,
drowsiness, dysphoria,
irritability, difficulty
concentrating
Opiates
(heroin,
morphine,
codeine,
meperidine,
methadone)
Onset within
minutes, hrs. or
days after use;
symptoms last 7 -10
days.
Chills, sweating, dilated
pupils, increased pulse &
blood pressure, muscle
aches, abdominal
cramps, drug craving,
rhinorrhea, yawning,
drowsiness, and coma
Methadone is administered orally in
decreasing doses over a period of about
10 days
clonidine (Catapres) 0.3 -1. 2 mg/day,
Decreased by 5 0% / day
For 3 days, then discontinued.
Cannabinoids
(marijuana,
hashish)
Mild physical
dependence with
chronic use of high
doses
Restlessness, irritability,
insomnia, nausea,
vomiting, and sweating.
No treatment required.
Nicotine
(Cigarettes,
cigars, pipe and
chewing tobacco)
Symptoms develop
within 2 4hrs of
tapering or not
using drug
Irritability, nicotine
craving, decreased heart
rate, headache,
increased appetite,
difficulty concentrating,
and insomnia.
Nicotine is substituted in the form of gum
or a patch, which is tapered and
eventually discontinued.

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Substances of Abuse:
CNS Depressants
- Include alcohol, benzodiazepines, minor tranquilizers, barbiturates, chloral hydrate, meprobamate, and
methaqualone
- Effects of CNS depressants include the relaxation of muscles, sedation, and decreased anxiety
- Characterized by slurred speech, ataxia, impaired judgment, agitation, and depression.
- Combining these drugs with alcohol potentiates the effects of intoxication, respiratory depression
• Short – acting drugs such as lorazepam (Ativan)* are used to treat withdrawal in the presence of
impaired liver function. IV diazepam is usually administered to treat withdrawal delirium.
CNS Stimulants
- Include caffeine, cocaine, amphetamines, and methylphenidate (Ritalin).
- Effects – alertness, euphoria, decreased appetite, and an enhanced sexual response.
- Intoxication from CNS stimulants – anxiety, paranoia, confusion, irritability, grandiosity, rhinitis,
insomnia, tactile hallucinations, increased or decreased heart rate, chest pain, cardiac arrhythmias,
dilated pupils, and respiratory distress.