• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

QD Nurses

QD Nurses - Every Day Nurses - NCLEX Review Articles, NCLEX Study Guides, NCLEX Prep for Nursing Students, Nurses, and Healthcare Professionals

  • About
  • Education
  • Social
  • Reviews
  • Contact Us
You are here: Home / Psychiatric Care / The Difference Between Benzodiazepines and Barbiturates

The Difference Between Benzodiazepines and Barbiturates

posted on November 26, 2018

Benzodiazepines vs. Barbiturates

What is the difference between benzodiazepines and barbiturates? They both start with the letter B and they are both highly addictive drugs. Benzodiazepines and barbiturates are both in different classes of drugs that causes the same symptoms. Both drugs affect the GABA.

They both decrease brain activity resulting in a calm and/or drowsy feeling. Both prescription medications have a high potential for abuse. Do not mix benzodiazepines or barbiturates with other CNS depressants, which could lead to death. It is essential to avoid alcohol and over-the-counter medications.

Benzodiazepines and barbiturates are not given to block out the pain. They are given for:

  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Seizures
  • Affects the central nervous system

What is GABA?

GABA is gamma-aminobutyric acid, which is a natural inhibitory neurotransmitter. This is found in the brain. The GABA receptors primarily affect thoughts.

NCLEX Facts for Benzodiazepines and Barbiturates

The antidote for benzodiazepine overdose is flumazenil, which is administered intravenously.

Benzodiazepines acts quickly with a fast half-life. It can be excreted from the body quickly. It is like a Mercedes Benz as everything is very fast.

Barbiturates is as slow as a grandma named Barbara. It lasts longer in the body, which can last up to five days.

When using benzodiazepines and barbiturates, initiate seizure precautions, monitor urinary output, and signs of medication toxicity.

Do not take benzodiazepines or barbiturates when pregnant. They are category D drugs.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines works on the neurotransmitters to communicate with GABA. GABA slows down the nerve activities, which in turn decreases anxiety.

Examples of Benzodiazepines (-am)

To remember that benzodiazepines usually end in -am, you drive your benz in the early a.m.

Diazepam (Valium)
Clorazepate (Tranxene)
Estazolam (Prosom)
Oxazepam (Serax)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)

Side Effects of Benzodiazepines

Headache
Drowsiness
Sleep disturbance
Confusion
Aggression

Concerns of Benzodiazepines

Physical dependence can occur when taking benzodiazepines. Abruptly stopping benzodiazepines can cause withdrawal symptoms (agitation and insomnia). Suddenly stopping benzodiazepine therapy after months of using, severe symptoms can occur. These symptoms include seizures, tremors, sweating, and gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting and nausea). Benzodiazepines should be tapered slowly before abruptly stopping.

By combining benzodiazepines with other addicting drugs, drug abusers can get the ideal effect they seek. Fatal overdoses can occur.

Barbiturates

Barbiturates affects the GABA alpha receptors, which causes the same effect as a depressant.

Physical dependence can occur with barbiturates and it can also cause bradypnea and bradycardia.

Examples of Barbiturates (-barbital)

Amobarbital (Amytal)
Mephobarbital (Mebaral)
Pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal)

Side Effects of Barbiturates

Headache
Gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain)
Sedation
Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Sedation

Share on Facebook Share
Share
Share on Pinterest Share
Share
Share on Email Share
Share
Share on Messenger Share
Share
Total 0 Shares

Filed Under: Psychiatric Care

Primary Sidebar

My digital products are designed to be easy-to-follow and delivered in a self-paced format. My latest product - the Prep Ultimate - contains Study Guides and Digital Flashcards

Get My NCLEX Prep Ultimate

Start your journey to passing the NCLEX below. Sign up today and I'll send my free infection control study guide to your email for download.

By signing up below, you agree to the Privacy Policy and confirm that your information is accurate.

More to See

Fluid and Electrolytes Nursing Review

Fluid and Electrolytes: Nursing Review

Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions

Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions

Septic Shock Nursing Review

Nursing Review: 6 Important Facts To Know About Septic Shock

COVID-19

Nursing Review: 11 Important Facts to Know About COVID-19

HIV/AIDS

Nursing Review: Learn More About the 3 Stages of HIV Infection

More Posts from this Category

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • BUZZ
  • ATI Testing
  • NCLEX
  • ADULT CARE
    • Cardiovascular
    • Endocrine
    • Gastrointestinal
    • Genitourinary
    • Hematologic & Immune
    • Integumentary
    • Musculoskeletal
    • Neurosensory
    • Respiratory
  • FUNDAMENTALS
  • PSYCHIATRIC
  • PEDIATRIC CARE
    • Endocrine
    • Gastrointestinal
    • Genitourinary
    • Growth & Development
    • Hematologic & Immune
    • Musculoskeletal
    • Neurosensory
    • Respiratory
  • MATERNAL-NEONATAL
    • Antepartum
    • Intrapartum
    • Neonatal
  • NURSING SCIENCE
  • EMT

Footer CTA

Join over 1,500 happy students!

Get 160 FREE Digital Flashcards & My FREE Infection Control Study Guide

Learn More
  • Privacy Policy
  • Return Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2023 QD Nurses. All Rights Reserved.

X
Subject:
Message:
Ajax loader
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
Save & Accept
Share with friends
Share on Facebook Share
Share
Share on Pinterest Share
Share
Share on Email Share
Share
Share on Messenger Share
Share