Drug Calming Agents: Illustrations, Purposes, Results, and Beyond
Sedatives are a class of drugs commonly prescribed by doctors to manage various medical conditions. These medications are used to treat severe anxiety, sleep problems (including insomnia), seizures, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and to relax patients before medical procedures or surgery.
Anxiety and panic attacks can be alleviated with sedatives like benzodiazepines, which are used when other treatments are ineffective. For those suffering from severe insomnia, sedatives can help with falling asleep or staying asleep; benzodiazepines or certain antidepressants with sedative effects can be prescribed, typically for short-term use.
In the case of seizures, sedatives may be used to reduce seizure activity. Some sedatives relax muscles to relieve spasms in cases of muscle spasms. They also help reduce withdrawal symptoms from alcohol cessation.
Before medical procedures or surgery, sedatives are often administered to calm or sedate patients. In some cases, doctors may give sedatives and analgesics to individuals to provide pain relief as well.
However, it's important to note that long-term use of sedatives can lead to dependence, tolerance, and the need for higher doses to achieve the same initial effect. Misusing sedatives can lead to overdose, combining with other depressants, impaired function while engaging in activities such as driving, unconsciousness, death, and dependence.
Sedatives can cause short-term side effects such as difficulties with focus and concentration, memory loss, slow reaction times, impaired depth and distance perception, an inability to feel pain, confusion, impaired judgment, slurred speech, and low blood pressure.
In addition, certain antidepressants with sedative properties (like doxepin and trazodone) may be prescribed off-label for insomnia, especially if other treatments fail, although evidence for their use in sleep disorders varies.
Some antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, dimenhydrinate, and brompheniramine, have sedating properties and are useful in treating mild sleep problems, with some available over the counter.
Obstetric anesthesiologists may give sedatives to people experiencing distress or restlessness during labor. People who suddenly stop taking sedatives may experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, hallucinations, difficulty sleeping, rapid heart rate, shaky hands and unintended movements, profuse sweating, nausea and vomiting.
People with insomnia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and muscle spasms may also benefit from prescription sedatives. However, it's crucial to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider before starting any medication regimen.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Sedatives and Hypnotics. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/sedatives-and-hypnotics/description/cs-003402 [2] National Sleep Foundation. (2021). Sleep Medications. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-medications [3] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Benzodiazepines and Sedative-Hypnotics. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/benzodiazepines-sedative-hypnotics [4] U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2021). MedlinePlus: Sedatives, Hypnotics, and Anxiolytics. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682186.html
[1] Sedatives like benzodiazepines are often used for individuals suffering from anxiety or panic attacks, particularly when other treatments are ineffective.
[2] For those dealing with severe insomnia, sedatives can aid in falling asleep or staying asleep, with certain antidepressants and antihistamines also prescribed for this purpose.
[3] Mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder may also be managed with prescription sedatives, but it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before starting any medication regimen.
