Sedatives: Adverse Consequences of Chronic Use | Research & Encyclopedia Articles

Sedatives: Adverse Consequences of Chronic Use

Sedative drugs are also called hypnotics or SEDATIVE-HYPNOTICS. They are sometimes referred to as "minor tranquilizers" or "anxiolytics" (antianxiety medications). Technically, a sedative decreases activity and calms, while a hypnotic produces drowsiness, allowing for the onset and maintenance of a state of Sleep similar to natural sleep and from which the sleeper may be easily awakened. The same drug used for sedation, pharmacologically induced sleep, and general systemic anesthesia may be seen to induce a continuum of central nervous system (CNS) depression. Such drugs are usually referred to, therefore, as sedative-hypnotics, and they are widely prescribed in the treatment of insomnia (sleep problems). Although some people take these drugs only occasionally and for specific sleep problems (grief, time-limited stress, long-distance flights), many more take them over prolonged periods (months and even years) as a presumed aid to nightly sleep. They do this despite medical advice to restrict such drugs to about two weeks of use.

All the sedatives are available in tablets or capsules for oral dosage, and some are also available for intravenous or intramuscular administration. Almost all sedatives have the same behavioral effects as alcohol (ethanol). Many persons who abuse sedatives, are, or have been problem drinkers.

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