What are sedative-hypnotic drugs?
Q: What are sedative-hypnotic drugs and why are they prescribed? A: Sedatives and hypnotics are two classes of prescription drugs that are commonly called “tranquilizers,” “sleeping pills,” or “sedatives.” They affect your central nervous system – your brain and spinal cord – and have a relaxing, calming effect.
What are the sedative drugs list?
The representatives of this group are:
- Alcohol (ethyl alcohol or ethanol)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Chloral hydrate (Somnote)
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
- Clorazepate (Tranxene)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Estazolam (Prosom)
How do sedative-hypnotic drugs work?
Sedative–hypnotics are believed to exert their effect on the brain by interacting with receptors for the neurotransmitter GABA. Their effect at these receptors enhances the action of GABA as an inhibitory neurotransmitter and results in a depression of brain activity.
What is sedative drug?
Sedatives are a type of prescription medication that slows down your brain activity. They’re typically used to make you feel more relaxed. Doctors commonly prescribe sedatives to treat conditions like anxiety and sleep disorders. They also use them as general anesthetics. Sedatives are controlled substances.
What are hypnotic drugs used for?
Hypnotics are medications used to induce, extend, or improve the quality of sleep, and to reduce wakefulness during sleep. The most commonly used hypnotics include benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BzRAs), antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines, and melatonin (or melatonin receptor agonists).
What is an example of a hypnotic drug?
Examples include zopiclone (Imovane, Zimovane), eszopiclone (Lunesta), zaleplon (Sonata), and zolpidem (Ambien, Stilnox, Stilnoct).
What are the effects of sedatives?
Here are some effects of sedatives:
- Feeling of relaxation.
- Reduced anxiety.
- Lowered inhibitions.
- Reduced intensity of physical sensations.
- Lightheadedness.
- Drowsiness.
- Slurred speech.
- Shallow breathing.
What are hypnotic give examples?
Examples include zopiclone (Imovane, Zimovane), eszopiclone (Lunesta), zaleplon (Sonata), and zolpidem (Ambien, Stilnox, Stilnoct). Research on nonbenzodiazepines is new and conflicting.
What is the difference between sedatives and hypnotics?
Sedatives are drugs that decrease activity and have a calming, relaxing effect. At higher doses, sedatives usually cause sleep. Drugs used mainly to cause sleep are called hypnotics.