Sedatives are generally prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety or difficulty sleeping. This drug works to slow down the activity of brain cells, so the body becomes more relaxed. Sedatives consist of various types with different functions.
Tranquilizers work by modifying certain nerves in the central nervous system so that the activity of brain cells becomes slower. This drug can be addictive, so use should only be done under the supervision of a doctor.
Various Types of Sedatives and Their Uses
The following are three types of sedatives and the conditions they can treat:
Barbiturates
Barbiturates are sedative drugs that work by increasing gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA). GABA is a brain chemical that plays a role in slowing down 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
- Overcoming insomnia
- Be an anesthetic before anesthetic procedures and reduce anxiety
- Treating intracranial hypertension
There are several types of barbiturate sedatives 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
- Metohexital, as an anesthetic for brief diagnostic and maintenance procedures
Barbiturates have several side effects, such as interactions with other drugs, addiction, impaired fetal development, and heart and respiratory problems. So, make sure to always take this sedative according to a doctor’s prescription.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a class of sedative drugs commonly used to treat anxiety disorders . Just like barbiturates, these drugs work by affecting the chemical compound GABA in the brain.
Some medical conditions that can be treated with benzodiazepines are:
- Anxiety disorder
- Panic attacks
- Insomnia
- Depression
- seizures
- Ringing ears
- Alcohol withdrawal symptoms
In addition, this sedative can also be used as a general anesthetic and to relax muscles.
Based on the conditions being treated, benzodiazepines consist of several types, namely:
- Alprazolam , lorazepam, midazolam , chlorazepate, diazepam , and chlordiazepoxide, to treat anxiety disorders
- Estazolam , flurazepam, kuazepam, temazepam, and triazolam, to treat sleep disturbances or insomnia
- Clonazepam, lorazepam, clobazam, diazepam, chlorazepam, for seizures
- Midazolam , lorazepam, and diazepam, as anesthetics
- Chlordiazepoxide, to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms
Drugs that are included in the benzodiazepines can cause a variety of side effects, ranging from decreased consciousness, dizziness, drowsiness, depression, irritability, to memory problems. This sedative also has the risk of causing overdose and addiction, one of which is quite popular, namely addiction to nimetazepam or happy five .
Nonbenzodiazepine sedative hypnotics
Nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic sedatives are a new class of drugs used to treat short-term insomnia . This drug makes users fall asleep faster and sleep longer.
There are several types of nonbenzodiazepine sedative hypnotics that are commonly prescribed by doctors to treat insomnia, including:
- Zolpidem
- Eszopiclone
- Zaleplon
- Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride
- chloralhydrate
- Ramelteon
The risk of dependence on nonbenzodiazepine sedative hypnotics 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 driving or working the next day.
The risk of these side effects will be higher if nonbenzodiazepine sedative hypnotics are consumed together with alcoholic beverages or other sedatives.
What to Look For Before Consuming Sedatives
Taking any kind of sedatives in the long or short term can cause side effects. Some of the side effects that can be felt immediately after taking sedatives are:
- Drowsiness
- It’s hard to focus
- Dizzy
- Blurred vision
- Speech slower or rambling
- Slower breaths
Meanwhile, the side effects of using long-term sedatives are:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorder
- Frequent forgetfulness or amnesia
- Liver failure
- Dependency
The most easily recognized sign of sedative dependence is when the user requires a higher dose to achieve the same effect. If the usual dose of sedatives is not as effective as usual, consult a doctor to get treatment.
If you experience difficulty sleeping or anxiety, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor to get treatment, including administering sedatives. Make sure you take sedatives as directed by your doctor to avoid the risk of side effects.
