Sedative medications are widely used for treatment of insomnia and anxiety but have potential for misuse and abuse by patients. This article uses two actual patient cases to illustrate problematic patient behavior with use of prescribed sedatives, and the discussion describes ways that clinicians can effectively deal with sedative abuse and its consequences.Jul 18, 2023 · Benzodiazepine sedative hypnotic sleeping pills. Benzodiazepines are the oldest class of sleep medications still commonly in use. Benzodiazepines as a group are thought to have a higher risk of dependence than other insomnia sedative hypnotics and are classified as controlled substances. 1._____ produce a sense of calm, reduce nervousness, excitability, and irritability without causing sleep unless given in a large enough dose. 2._____ cause sleep with a much more potent CNS effect than 3._____. 4._____ can act as either a sedative or a hypnotic depending on the dose and patient responsiveness. In low doses, they calm the CNS ... Nonbenzodiazepine Sedative Hypnotics and Risk of Fall-Related Injury. Sleep 2016; 39:1009. Thomas SJ, Sakhuja S, Colantonio LD, et al. Insomnia Diagnosis, Prescribed Hypnotic Medication Use, and Risk for Serious Fall Injuries In the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study.The older sedative-hypnotics that have a prolonged half-life increase the risk for next-day sedation and daytime psychomotor impairment and pose an increased risk for abuse and dependence. Other complications of benzodiazepine use include tolerance, withdrawal, abuse, and rebound insomnia.Benzodiazepines are frequently mixed with alcohol or used in the commission of a rape because of the possibility of memory loss and their sedative properties. Carisoprodol (Soma®) - Skeletal muscle relaxant with sedative-hypnotic effects. Also, marketed in combination with aspirin and codeine. Commonly abused in conjunction with opioids ... Sep 1, 2017 · Although sedative-hypnotic drugs undoubtedly seem to pose a hazard in driving safety, increased risk has been tentatively identified in certain users or medication-related behaviors, albeit with much uncertainty. Younger age [22, 28] and new use of benzodiazepines have been reported as additional risk factors in users of these medications. Feb 18, 2019 · Benzodiazepine hypnotics are used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Benzodiazepines produce sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, and muscle relaxant effects. Benzodiazepines shorten sleep latency and reduce the number of awakenings and the time spent in stage of wakefulness. All benzodiazepines are controlled substances in schedule IV. Sedative-hypnotics (or simply sedatives) all act directly or indirectly on GABA receptors. These drugs fall into three subgroups: barbiturates and barbiturate-like drugs, minor tranquilizers and ...Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like The CNS depressants include various prescription drugs referred to as A. GHBs. B. sedative-hypnotics. C. entheogens. D. catecholamines., Which of these is NOT one of the early sedative-hypnotics used in medicine? A. chloral hydrate B. paraldehyde C. butyrate D. bromide salts, What has kept paraldehyde from being widely used? A ...Drug class: miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics. For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects. For professionals: Prescribing Information. Expand current row for information about Desyrel Dividose Desyrel Dividose: 9.0Aug 8, 2023 · Abnormal thinking and behavior: Sedative-hypnotics like benzodiazepines can cause strange thoughts or behaviors, including hallucinations or even complex behaviors like sleepwalking or trying to drive while partly asleep. Worsening of depression: Some people may experience a worsening of symptoms of depression when taking benzodiazepines. May 1, 2000 · Sedative-hypnotics (or simply sedatives) all act directly or indirectly on GABA receptors. These drugs fall into three subgroups: barbiturates and barbiturate-like drugs, minor tranquilizers and ... Mar 6, 2018 · Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants are medicines that include sedatives, tranquilizers, and hypnotics. These drugs can slow brain activity, making them useful for treating anxiety, panic, acute stress reactions, and sleep disorders. CNS depressants cause drowsiness; sedatives are often prescribed to treat sleep disorders like insomnia and ... Sedative, hypnotic and/or anxiolytic withdrawal; Sedative, hypnotic and/or anxiolytic withdrawal delirium; Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic withdrawal; Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic withdrawal; ICD-10-CM F13.239 is grouped within Diagnostic Related Group(s) (MS-DRG v 40.0): 791 Prematurity with major problems; 793 Full term neonate with ...May 10, 2023 · Hypnotics. Although various drugs that fall under the umbrella of “sedatives” will differ greatly, many share the ability to create a sense of calm and drowsiness. 1 This is why sedatives, depending on the specific medication being used, are often prescribed for anxiety, panic, and sleep disorders. 1. Prescription Sedative Drugs sedative: [adjective] tending to calm, moderate, or tranquilize nervousness or excitement.sedative-hypnotic: (sĕd′ə-tĭv-hĭp-nŏt′ĭk) n. A drug, such as a barbiturate or antianxiety agent, that depresses the activity of the central nervous system and is used to relieve anxiety and induce sleep. Sedative-hypnotic drugs — sometimes called "depressants" — and anxiolytic (antianxiety) drugs slow down the activity of the brain. Benzodiazepines ( Ativan, Halcion, Librium, Valium, Xanax, Rohypnol) are the best known. An older class of drugs, called barbiturates (Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, phenobarbital) fit into this broad category.The sedative hypnotic drug is the chemical substance used for reducing tension, anxiety and to induce calm or to induce sleep. Usually, such drugs at low dosage induce the calming effect, while consuming in large dosage it induces a sleeping effect.Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use even in situations where it is physically hazardous; Use of the sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic drug continues even when the individual knows the physical ...Sedative-, hypnotic-, or anxiolytic- (SHA-) related disorders include SHA intoxication, SHA withdrawal, and SHA-use disorder. These disorders result from abuse of a class of medications known as ...Adverse events that are associated with sedative use, such as ataxia, falls, or memory impairment, are thought to be particularly detrimental for older people. 7 8 Despite the widespread use of sedative hypnotics in older people, the risk-benefit relation is not known. This meta-analysis aims to study the benefits of sedative use, as determined ...Drug class: miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics. For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects. For professionals: Prescribing Information. Expand current row for information about Desyrel Dividose Desyrel Dividose: 9.0May 13, 2022 · Quetiapine is the most commonly used antipsychotic for sleep disorders. Interestingly, trazodone is one of the most widely used sedative agents, yet has the least amount of evidence. 27 For mirtazapine to be used as a sedative-hypnotic, it must be dosed at 7.5 mg to 15 mg at bedtime, which affords the most affinity for anticholinergic effects. 28 Apr 11, 2023 · If sedative/hypnotics have been administered for a long period of time then they should be discontinued slowly. Many of the older agents are seldom used nowadays because of their high risk of toxicity. Examples of severe side effects associated with some miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives, and hypnotics include: Mar 12, 2015 · Sedative and hypnotics are the drugs which can reduce anxiety and produce a calming effect by inducing the onset of sleep as well as maintaining sleeping duration . Nowadays, these drugs are extensively used in treatment of different psychiatric disorders including anxiety and insomnia. A sedative or tranquilliser [note 1] is a substance that induces sedation by reducing irritability [1] or excitement. [2] They are CNS depressants and interact with brain activity causing its deceleration. Various kinds of sedatives can be distinguished, but the majority of them affect the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).Sleeping pills are a type of sedative hypnotic. They’re extremely potent and act as short-term relief for insomnia. Most often, sleeping pills come from the drugs classified as benzodiazepines or the non-benzodiazepine Z-drugs. Examples of sedative hypnotics that are prescribed as sleeping pills include: Ambien (zolpidem) Butisol (butabarbital)Hypnotic drugs, therefore, may be contraindicated in patients with or at risk of depression. Hypnotics were found to be more likely to cause depression than to help it. Studies have found that long-term users of sedative hypnotic drugs have a markedly raised suicide risk as well as an overall increased mortality risk. Sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics (also known as depressants) slow down or “depresses” neurotransmission levels and reduce arousal/stimulation in various areas of the brain. The most common class of medications misused in this disorder are benzodiazepines (“benzos,” “downers,” “tranks,” “nerve pills”).May 11, 2009 · Selective histamine H1 antagonists are under development. 23 Sedative antidepressants such as trazodone, low-dose doxepin, and mirtazapine are also widely used as hypnotics, particularly in patients with insomnia and comorbid depression. 24 This use is unsupported by convincing controlled data. 25 Any antiarousal sleep-promoting effects are ... Sedative-hypnotics include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and non-benzodiazepines (such as Z-drugs). We will discuss some of these in greater detail during Unit 4 on psychotherapeutic drugs, but, for this chapter, we will focus on barbiturates. Other types of drugs have sedative effects through action on the GABA receptor, such as γ ...Nonbenzodiazepine “Z-drugs” sedative-hypnotics are drugs that differ in structure from benzodiazepines, but acts on a subset of the benzodiazepine receptor family known as BZ1.Sedative-hypnotic drugs — sometimes called "depressants" — and anxiolytic (antianxiety) drugs slow down the activity of the brain. Benzodiazepines ( Ativan, Halcion, Librium, Valium, Xanax, Rohypnol) are the best known. An older class of drugs, called barbiturates (Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, phenobarbital) fit into this broad category.Jan 13, 2023 · Anxiolytics are a class of medications aimed at treating patients with panic disorders, generalized anxiety, and various other uses. Sedatives(hypnotics) are a class of drugs used in different situations ranging from treating insomnia to treating someone connected to a mechanical ventilator. Both of these classes of medications have broad uses in various conditions and are effective when used ... Aug 22, 2023 · Nonbenzodiazepine Sedative Hypnotics and Risk of Fall-Related Injury. Sleep 2016; 39:1009. Thomas SJ, Sakhuja S, Colantonio LD, et al. Insomnia Diagnosis, Prescribed Hypnotic Medication Use, and Risk for Serious Fall Injuries In the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study. Hypnotic. A drug that induces and/or maintains sleep, similar to normal arousable sleep. This is not to be confused with ‘hypnosis’ meaning a trans-like state in which the subject becomes passive and highly suggestible. The sedatives and hypnotics are more or less general CNS depressants with somewhat differing time action and dose action ...Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants are medicines that include sedatives, tranquilizers, and hypnotics. These drugs can slow brain activity, making them useful for treating anxiety, panic, acute stress reactions, and sleep disorders. CNS depressants cause drowsiness; sedatives are often prescribed to treat sleep disorders like insomnia and ...May 13, 2022 · Quetiapine is the most commonly used antipsychotic for sleep disorders. Interestingly, trazodone is one of the most widely used sedative agents, yet has the least amount of evidence. 27 For mirtazapine to be used as a sedative-hypnotic, it must be dosed at 7.5 mg to 15 mg at bedtime, which affords the most affinity for anticholinergic effects. 28 The main types of sedative-hypnotic drugs are as following: Benzodiazepines – This group of sedatives works by enhancing the neurotransmitter GABA. Eventually, this could induce the muscle relaxant properties of the benzodiazepine drugs.Benzodiazepine sedative hypnotic sleeping pills. Benzodiazepines are the oldest class of sleep medications still commonly in use. Benzodiazepines as a group are thought to have a higher risk of dependence than other insomnia sedative hypnotics and are classified as controlled substances.Selective histamine H1 antagonists are under development. 23 Sedative antidepressants such as trazodone, low-dose doxepin, and mirtazapine are also widely used as hypnotics, particularly in patients with insomnia and comorbid depression. 24 This use is unsupported by convincing controlled data. 25 Any antiarousal sleep-promoting effects are ...Nov 19, 2020 · The use of hypnotics and sedatives (N05C) over time has an average consumption rate that is much lower than those corresponding to anxiolytics and antidepressants (μ = 10.36; σ = 1.01). Figure 4 depicts the use of antidepressants, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotic drugs in Portugal from 2000 to 2018. Aug 23, 2018 · Nonbenzodiazepine “Z-drugs” sedative-hypnotics are drugs that differ in structure from benzodiazepines, but acts on a subset of the benzodiazepine receptor family known as BZ1. Sep 4, 2015 · Sedatives and Hypnotics Madan Sigdel (M. Pharm.) Department of Pharmacology Gandaki Medical College. Sedatives: it is a drug that reduces excitement and calms the person Hypnotics is the drug that produces sleep resembling the normal sleep The sedatives and hypnotics are more or less general CNS depressants with some what differing time- action ... Drugs used mainly to cause sleep are called hypnotics. The difference between sedatives and hypnotics, then, is usually the amount of the dose; lower doses have a calming effect and higher doses cause sleep . Recent studies have shown that herbal drugs exert good sedative and hypnotic effect on the central nervous system [4–6].Hypnotic. A drug that induces and/or maintains sleep, similar to normal arousable sleep. This is not to be confused with ‘hypnosis’ meaning a trans-like state in which the subject becomes passive and highly suggestible. The sedatives and hypnotics are more or less general CNS depressants with somewhat differing time action and dose action ... Barbiturates are sedative-hypnotics, a type of central nervous system (CNS) depressant used to treat insomnia, seizures, and headaches. Learn about side effects, dosages, drug interactions, warnings, and more.Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like The CNS depressants include various prescription drugs referred to as A. GHBs. B. sedative-hypnotics. C. entheogens. D. catecholamines., Which of these is NOT one of the early sedative-hypnotics used in medicine? A. chloral hydrate B. paraldehyde C. butyrate D. bromide salts, What has kept paraldehyde from being widely used? A ...Non-Benzodiazepine Sedative Hypnotics. The non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics are a newer class of sedative drugs and include zolpidem (e.g., Ambien ®), zaleplon (e.g., Sonata ®), zopiclone (e.g., Imovane ®), and eszopiclone (e.g., Lunesta ®). Often referred to as the ‘Z-drugs,’ these compounds have a different chemical structure to ...Nonbenzodiazepine Sedative Hypnotics and Risk of Fall-Related Injury. Sleep 2016; 39:1009. Thomas SJ, Sakhuja S, Colantonio LD, et al. Insomnia Diagnosis, Prescribed Hypnotic Medication Use, and Risk for Serious Fall Injuries In the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study.Sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics use disorder is the chronic (> 12 months), problematic pattern of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use causing significant distress. These types of drugs subdue excitement, promote calm, or induce/maintain sleep Sleep A readily reversible suspension of sensorimotor interaction with the environment, usually ...Key takeaways: Sedatives are a group of medications that are sometimes called depressants, tranquilizers, or hypnotics. Sedatives, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and sleep medications, are prescribed to treat anxiety, sleeping problems, and seizures. Tolerance, dependence, and addiction are possible outcomes of sedative use, especially ...Feb 18, 2021 · Sedative-Hypnotic drugs cause central nervous system depression and commonly result in somnolence, confusion, ataxia, slurred speech, and when taken in large quantities or mix with other drugs or ... Zolpidem is used to treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). Zolpidem belongs to a class of medications called sedative-hypnotics. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow sleep. Antianxiety and sedative drugs are used with a variety of different psychiatric disorders, usually in combination with other medications. Different Types of Medications . Antianxiety and sedative medications can be divided into two broad classes of drugs: Antianxiety medications and sedative-hypnotics (the term hypnotic refers to sleep inducing). Sedative-hypnotic drugs — sometimes called "depressants" — and anxiolytic (antianxiety) drugs slow down the activity of the brain. Benzodiazepines ( Ativan, Halcion, Librium, Valium, Xanax, Rohypnol) are the best known. An older class of drugs, called barbiturates (Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, phenobarbital) fit into this broad category.Sedative-hypnotics are among the most commonly prescribed psychoactive drugs by primary care physicians. Approximately 4.6% of all Americans have used legally prescribed anxiolytics, sedatives, or hypnotics in the past 30 days. [ 10 ]If sedative/hypnotics have been administered for a long period of time then they should be discontinued slowly. Many of the older agents are seldom used nowadays because of their high risk of toxicity. Examples of severe side effects associated with some miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives, and hypnotics include:Jan 24, 2022 · Similarly, non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics (also known as Z-drugs), approved for short-term treatment of insomnia, were touted as safe alternatives to the popular benzodiazepines when introduced to the market as less prone to abuse or dependence. Non-Benzodiazepine Sedative Hypnotics. The non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics are a newer class of sedative drugs and include zolpidem (e.g., Ambien ®), zaleplon (e.g., Sonata ®), zopiclone (e.g., Imovane ®), and eszopiclone (e.g., Lunesta ®). Often referred to as the ‘Z-drugs,’ these compounds have a different chemical structure to ... Because prior studies that have examined cotherapy of sedative-hypnotics with SSRIs have excluded people at significant risk of suicide (9, 12), there is insufficient evidence to determine whether sedative-hypnotics alter the risk of suicide. This is an important area of investigation because clinicians are often unwilling to prescribe sedative ...Benzodiazepine hypnotics are used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Benzodiazepines produce sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, and muscle relaxant effects. Benzodiazepines shorten sleep latency and reduce the number of awakenings and the time spent in stage of wakefulness. All benzodiazepines are controlled substances in schedule IV.Barbiturates are medications that cause you to relax or feel drowsy. They can also stop or prevent convulsions and seizures. The most common uses are for anesthesia reasons, treating epilepsy and nonepileptic seizures, insomnia and other conditions. Barbiturates belong to the sedative-hypnotic class of medications.Sedative hypnotics include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and various hypnotics. Benzodiazepines such as Ativan, Librium, Valium, and Xanax are anti-anxiety medications. They also increase ... Sedative-hypnotic drug products are a class of drugs used to induce and/or maintain sleep. FDA Drug Safety Communications: FDA adds Boxed Warning for risk of serious injuries caused by... Sedative-hypnotics are a class of drugs that depress. CNS. function, inducing sedation, sleep, and unconsciousness with increasing dose. Agents in this drug class include. benzodiazepines. , nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics ( Z-drugs ), barbiturates. , and melatonin agonists. Most sedative-hypnotic drugs affect.Sedatives and Hypnotics Madan Sigdel (M. Pharm.) Department of Pharmacology Gandaki Medical College. Sedatives: it is a drug that reduces excitement and calms the person Hypnotics is the drug that produces sleep resembling the normal sleep The sedatives and hypnotics are more or less general CNS depressants with some what differing time- action ...A sedative or tranquilliser [note 1] is a substance that induces sedation by reducing irritability [1] or excitement. [2] They are CNS depressants and interact with brain activity causing its deceleration. Various kinds of sedatives can be distinguished, but the majority of them affect the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).Sep 1, 2017 · Although sedative-hypnotic drugs undoubtedly seem to pose a hazard in driving safety, increased risk has been tentatively identified in certain users or medication-related behaviors, albeit with much uncertainty. Younger age [22, 28] and new use of benzodiazepines have been reported as additional risk factors in users of these medications. Drugs for insomnia, which are also known as sedatives, hypnotics, medications for sleep, sleeping aids or more colloquially “sleeping pills”, are some of the most commonly used medications, both by prescription and over-the-counter. Insomnia affects up to 20% of the adult population and can be trans …Sedative-hypnotics include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and non-benzodiazepines (such as Z-drugs). We will discuss some of these in greater detail during Unit 4 on psychotherapeutic drugs, but, for this chapter, we will focus on barbiturates. Other types of drugs have sedative effects through action on the GABA receptor, such as γ ...Selective histamine H1 antagonists are under development. 23 Sedative antidepressants such as trazodone, low-dose doxepin, and mirtazapine are also widely used as hypnotics, particularly in patients with insomnia and comorbid depression. 24 This use is unsupported by convincing controlled data. 25 Any antiarousal sleep-promoting effects are ...Sep 3, 2015 · Sedative medications are widely used for treatment of insomnia and anxiety but have potential for misuse and abuse by patients. This article uses two actual patient cases to illustrate problematic patient behavior with use of prescribed sedatives, and the discussion describes ways that clinicians can effectively deal with sedative abuse and its consequences. Sedative hypnotics including benzodiazepines (BZDs), zolpidem, eszopiclone, and zaleplon (NBZDs) are commonly used to treat insomnia. The longest controlled studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of NBZDs were 12 months in duration and 2 months in duration for the BZD, temazepam. These studies suggest that NBZDs continue to be effective and ...Quetiapine is the most commonly used antipsychotic for sleep disorders. Interestingly, trazodone is one of the most widely used sedative agents, yet has the least amount of evidence. 27 For mirtazapine to be used as a sedative-hypnotic, it must be dosed at 7.5 mg to 15 mg at bedtime, which affords the most affinity for anticholinergic effects. 281._____ produce a sense of calm, reduce nervousness, excitability, and irritability without causing sleep unless given in a large enough dose. 2._____ cause sleep with a much more potent CNS effect than 3._____. 4._____ can act as either a sedative or a hypnotic depending on the dose and patient responsiveness. In low doses, they calm the CNS ...
Mar 14, 2021 · A sedative is a drug which reduces activity and alertness by producing a calming effect on the subject. A hypnotic is a drug which induces drowsiness and promotes sleep onset and maintenance. The subject can be easily aroused from the state of sleep induced by a hypnotic. Both sedatives and hypnotics are CNS depressants. . Jeeps for sale near me under dollar5000
Sedative hypnotics include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and various hypnotics. Benzodiazepines such as Ativan, Librium, Valium, and Xanax are anti-anxiety medications. They also increase ...Generally, sedatives cause physical depression, muscular relaxation and sedation; due to the varying types of sedatives, there is a range of other effects depending on which substance has been taken. Sedatives depress most body functions, so they greatly impact the ability to drive, operate machinery and participate in tasks requiring muscle ...Sedative hypnotics include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and various hypnotics. Benzodiazepines such as Ativan, Librium, Valium, and Xanax are anti-anxiety medications. They also increase ... Mar 12, 2015 · Sedative and hypnotics are the drugs which can reduce anxiety and produce a calming effect by inducing the onset of sleep as well as maintaining sleeping duration . Nowadays, these drugs are extensively used in treatment of different psychiatric disorders including anxiety and insomnia. Sedatives are the drug which moderately depress the central nervous system (CNS), moderate the excitement and calm the recipient. The effect produced by sedatives is known as sedation. All hypnotics in lower doses act as sedatives. ADVERTISEMENTS: Both hypnotics and sedatives induce widespread depression of CNS, however, being mainly quantitative. Sedatives are drugs that can be used to calm down, treat sleep disorders, and as a general anesthetic in high doses. ... Antidepressants, anxiolytics, and hypnotics in pregnancy and lactation. DOI ...Sep 6, 2023 · The sedative-hypnotics belong to a chemically heterogeneous class of drugs, almost all of which produce dose-dependent CNS depressant effects.A major subgroup is the benzodiazepines, but representatives of other subgroups, including barbiturates, and miscellaneous agents (carbamates, alcohols, and cyclic ethers) are still in use. Jun 10, 2022 · Key takeaways: Sedatives are a group of medications that are sometimes called depressants, tranquilizers, or hypnotics. Sedatives, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and sleep medications, are prescribed to treat anxiety, sleeping problems, and seizures. Tolerance, dependence, and addiction are possible outcomes of sedative use, especially ... Sedative hypnotics including benzodiazepines (BZDs), zolpidem, eszopiclone, and zaleplon (NBZDs) are commonly used to treat insomnia. The longest controlled studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of NBZDs were 12 months in duration and 2 months in duration for the BZD, temazepam. These studies suggest that NBZDs continue to be effective and ...Non-Benzodiazepine Sedative Hypnotics. The non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics are a newer class of sedative drugs and include zolpidem (e.g., Ambien ®), zaleplon (e.g., Sonata ®), zopiclone (e.g., Imovane ®), and eszopiclone (e.g., Lunesta ®). Often referred to as the ‘Z-drugs,’ these compounds have a different chemical structure to ...May 1, 2000 · Sedative-hypnotics (or simply sedatives) all act directly or indirectly on GABA receptors. These drugs fall into three subgroups: barbiturates and barbiturate-like drugs, minor tranquilizers and ... sedative-hypnotic: (sĕd′ə-tĭv-hĭp-nŏt′ĭk) n. A drug, such as a barbiturate or antianxiety agent, that depresses the activity of the central nervous system and is used to relieve anxiety and induce sleep. Sedative-hypnotics increase the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical that slows brain activity. This causes the calming effect that make sedative-hypnotics effective for treating anxiety and sleep disorders. For the first days of use, a person taking a sedative-hypnotic drug may feel sleepy and clumsy until their body adapts ...Sedative-hypnotic drugs — sometimes called "depressants" — and anxiolytic (antianxiety) drugs slow down the activity of the brain. Benzodiazepines ( Ativan, Halcion, Librium, Valium, Xanax, Rohypnol) are the best known. An older class of drugs, called barbiturates (Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, phenobarbital) fit into this broad category.Key takeaways: Sedatives are a group of medications that are sometimes called depressants, tranquilizers, or hypnotics. Sedatives, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and sleep medications, are prescribed to treat anxiety, sleeping problems, and seizures. Tolerance, dependence, and addiction are possible outcomes of sedative use, especially ...Hypnotic drugs, therefore, may be contraindicated in patients with or at risk of depression. Hypnotics were found to be more likely to cause depression than to help it. Studies have found that long-term users of sedative hypnotic drugs have a markedly raised suicide risk as well as an overall increased mortality risk. .