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Multiple Choice

Autonomic hyperactivity, hand tremors, nausea or vomiting, psychomotor agitation, grand mal seizures are signs of withdrawal from which substance class?

Withdrawal from CNS depressants—such as sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics—produces a rebound hyperarousal of the nervous system. When these substances are stopped, the brain’s inhibitory GABAergic system is no longer dampening activity effectively, while excitatory processes surge. That shift leads to autonomic hyperactivity (like increased heart rate and other signs of sympathetic arousal), tremors, nausea or vomiting, and psychomotor agitation. In more severe cases, the heightened neural excitability can trigger grand mal seizures. This specific cluster of symptoms is most characteristic of withdrawal from sedative-hypnotic or anxiolytic agents (for example benzodiazepines or barbiturates). Stimulant withdrawal typically shows fatigue and anhedonia, opioid withdrawal includes yawning and rhinorrhea with GI distress, and alcohol withdrawal can share some signs but is categorized separately; the described pattern fits best with depressant withdrawal.

Withdrawal from CNS depressants—such as sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics—produces a rebound hyperarousal of the nervous system. When these substances are stopped, the brain’s inhibitory GABAergic system is no longer dampening activity effectively, while excitatory processes surge. That shift leads to autonomic hyperactivity (like increased heart rate and other signs of sympathetic arousal), tremors, nausea or vomiting, and psychomotor agitation. In more severe cases, the heightened neural excitability can trigger grand mal seizures. This specific cluster of symptoms is most characteristic of withdrawal from sedative-hypnotic or anxiolytic agents (for example benzodiazepines or barbiturates). Stimulant withdrawal typically shows fatigue and anhedonia, opioid withdrawal includes yawning and rhinorrhea with GI distress, and alcohol withdrawal can share some signs but is categorized separately; the described pattern fits best with depressant withdrawal.