What are sedative hypnotics?
sedative hypnotics are the class of drugs prescribed to induce peace and to support sleep. These drugs have a calming effect on the person who takes them and are prescribed to treat anxiety disorders and insomnia. Drugs are a depressive central nervous system (CNS). Long -term use of these drugs can cause physiological and psychological dependence. The ingestion of large doses of sedative hypnotics can slow down the respiratory system and heart, leading to death.
The central nervous system depressions are designed to slow the activity of the brain. Sedative-hypnotics act on a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyic acid (GABA). Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit messages to different parts of the brain. Increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA causes a relaxing effect that alleviates anxiety or panic disorders.
Most sedative hypnotics are benzodiazepines or barbiturates. Using barbiturates or descents from benzodiazepines decreased for FArmacological market in the early 50s. Short-term barbiturates can be used for anesthesia and longer acting are used for anti-convulzivs. Benzodiazepines have less risk of severe side effects and are more likely to be prescribed to compensate anxiety. Seconal® and Nembutal® are barbiturates used to treat anxiety and some sleep disorders.
The most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines are Xanax®, Valium® and Librium®. They are classified depending on how long the drugs can be detected in the body. Short -term medicines are prescribed to treat acute panic disorders and anxiety attacks. Long -acting medicines are used to treat those with chronic anxiety.
Regular use of sedative-hypnotics for a long time can lead to the tolerance of the prescribed drug. The dosage would have to increase to maintain the same level of effect. Drug ending can lead to abstinence symptoms of restlessness, ripEchping, insomnia and great anxiety. Drug interruption can even lead to seizures and possible death. All people who think about the end of these drugs should consult with their doctor.
Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are drugs that are of high probability of abuse. Quiet, peaceful feelings produced by these drugs can be for some addictive. The use of these drugs with other depressive CNS agents, such as alcohol, can cause heart and respiratory systems to slow down to fatal levels. Slightly more than the prescribed dose can cause non -discounted speech, slow reflexes, unstable walking and forfeiture in judgment.
The side effects of sedative hypnotics in small doses are usually limited to dry mouth, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting or loss of appetite. Larger doses have more serious side effects such as drowsiness, tremor, reduced mental sharpness and impaired physical coordination. These side effects decrease as dosageIt will reduce, and most people do not interrupt the use of drugs based on the occurrence of side effects.