Types of sedatives and their uses

Tranquilizing drugs are generally prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety or sleeplessness. This drug serves to slow the activity of brain cells, so the body becomes more relaxed. There are various types of sedative drugs with different functions.

Sedative drugs work by modifying certain nerves in the central nervous system so that the activity of brain cells becomes slower. This drug can cause addiction, so its use should only be done under the supervision of a doctor.

Types of sedatives and their uses

Different Types of Tranquilizers and Their Use

Here are three types of sedatives and the conditions they can treat:

Barbiturates

Barbiturates are sedatives that work by increasing gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA). GABA is a brain chemical that plays a role in slowing the activity of brain cells.

Barbiturates have a sedative effect that can last for hours or even days. Therefore, barbiturates are often prescribed for the following conditions:

  • Prevent and stop seizures
  • Coping with insomnia
  • Becomes an anesthetic before anesthetic procedures and reduces anxiety
  • Treating intracranial hypertension

There are several types of sedative barbiturates that are commonly prescribed, including:

  • Phenobarbital and primidone, to treat and prevent seizures
  • Amobarbital, to treat insomnia in the short term
  • Pentobarbital, used before anesthetic procedures and to stop seizures
  • Butalbital, to treat migraines
  • Methohexital, as an anesthetic for short treatment and diagnostic procedures

Barbiturates have several side effects, such as interactions with other drugs, addiction, impaired fetal development, to heart and respiratory disorders. So, make sure to always take this sedative as prescribed by the doctor.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are a class of sedative drugs commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Like barbiturates, these drugs work by affecting the chemical compound GABA in the brain

Some of the medical conditions that can be treated with benzodiazepines are:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Panic attack
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Seizure
  • Symptoms of withdrawal

In addition, this sedative can also be used as a general anesthetic and to relax muscles.

Based on the condition being treated, there are several types of benzodiazepines, namely:

  • Alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, midazolam, chlorazepat, and chlordiazepoxide, for anxiety disorders
  • Estazolam, flurazepam, kuazepam, temazepam, and triazolam, to treat sleep disorders or insomnia
  • Clonazepam, lorazepam, clobazam, diazepam, chlorazepat, to treat seizures
  • Midazolam, lorazepam, and diazepam, as anesthetics
  • Chlordiazepoxide, to treat withdrawal symptoms

Drugs included in benzodiazepines can cause various side effects, ranging from decreased consciousness, dizziness, drowsiness, depression, irritability, to memory problems. This sedative is also at risk of causing overdose and addiction.

Non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics

Non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic drugs are a new class of drugs used to treat short-term insomnia. This drug makes the user fall asleep faster and sleep longer.

There are several types of non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics commonly prescribed by doctors to treat insomnia, including:

  • Zolpidem
  • Eszopiclone
  • Zaleplon
  • Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride
  • Chloralhydrate
  • Ramelteon
The risk of dependence on non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic drugs tends to be small. However, prolonged drowsiness may be one of the serious side effects to watch out for when using this drug. These side effects can interfere with daily activities, including when driving or working the next day

The risk of these side effects will be higher if non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics are taken together with alcoholic beverages or other sedatives.

What to Pay Attention to Before Taking Tranquilizers

Consuming any type of sedative drug in the long term or short term can cause side effects. Some of the side effects that can be felt immediately after taking sedatives are:

  • Sleepy
  • Hard to focus
  • Dizzy
  • Blurred vision
  • Speak slower or digress
  • Breathing slower

Meanwhile, the side effects of long-term use of tranquilizers are:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Frequent forgetfulness or amnesia
  • Heart failure
  • Addiction
The most easily recognizable sign of sedative dependence is when the user requires a higher dose to achieve the same effect. If the usual sedative dose is not as effective as usual, consult a doctor for treatment.

If you have trouble sleeping or anxiety, don't hesitate to consult a doctor for treatment, including sedation. Make sure you take sedatives as recommended by your doctor to avoid the risk of side effects.

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