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Sedatives

Sedatives and tranquilizers are prescribed to treat anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances. These drugs have a depressant effect on the central nervous system and work similar to alcohol.

Types

Tranquilizers can be divided into two categories. The major tranquilizers are also known as anti-psychotics and are used to control psychotic mental illness. Examples include Haldol, Thorazine, Navane, Prolixin, Mellaril, and Trilafon. The minor tranquilizers decrease anxiety, encourage sleep, and also act as an anesthetic. This class of tranquilizer includes the popular benzodiazepines. Minor tranquilizers include Halcion, Xanax, Ativan, Valium, BuSpar, and the antidepressant Anafranil.

Sedatives are specifically designed to induce drowsiness or sleepiness. They include barbiturates such as Nembutal, Seconal, Amytal, and Phenobarbital (Luminal).

Methods of Use

These drugs may be swallowed or injected.

Effects on the Central Nervous System

Tranquilizers and sedatives depress functioning of the central nervous system, but the specific way depends on the drug. Many of them, such as the benzodiazapines, work through "release from inhibition" on those areas of the brain that limit activity of the central nervous system. In other words, they indirectly facilitate the action of certain brain areas to promote calmness or sleepiness. Barbiturates seem to have direct depressant effects on brain areas that regulate wakefulness and alertness, and they also act directly on nerve cells in the spinal cord.

Intoxication

Sedative intoxication can resemble alcohol intoxication (including hallucinations, delusions, and memory disorders), and it also has some of the more severe effects like delirium and seizures.

Other symptoms include:

Reduced mental alertness
Reduced attention span
"Floating" sensations
Depressed heartbeat
Depressed breathing
Sleepiness and drowsiness
Confusion and disorientation
Shakiness or unsteadiness

Life Risks

Studies show that recovery from sedative-hypnotic addiction is particularly difficult, with up to a 50% relapse rate during the 5 years following inpatient detoxification and high associated suicide rates. Sedatives in particular are unsafe in overdose and have been associated with many deaths because they depress respiratory function.

These drugs of abuse are prescription drugs. Individuals frequently obtain them by going to more than one doctor with the same complaints. Even at prescribed doses, these drugs can cause dependence.

Withdrawal

Withdrawal syndromes depend on the specific drug, but may last for weeks. Some common withdrawal symptoms include:

Agitation
Disturbed sleep
Irritability
Nightmares
Convulsions

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