Sedatives have been used by doctors and individuals in many ways over the years. From medical uses to the entertainment industry, and even street drugs, sedatives have played a significant role in our society for a long time. Popularized in films and popular television shows, sedatives can be found almost anywhere. From the highly addictive prescription sleep aids to the very safe and often lifesaving recreational drugs, sedatives are used in a wide variety of situations and for a wide range of reasons. Today, most people don’t think twice about the possibility of taking a sedative to calm a hyperactive child or to help someone overcome anxiety (1).
Sedatives are typically a kind of prescription drug that slows down brain activity. They usually are used to induce you to feel calm. Doctors commonly prescribed sedatives for various medical conditions such as sleep disorders and anxiety. They are also often used as general anesthesia. In fact, sedatives work more like an anesthetic than they do as a stimulant (1a).
Sedatives work on the central nervous system by altering certain nerve transmissions in the central nervous system (CNS). The amount of the sedative action is controlled by the concentration and/or the duration of the drug. Sedatives transmit effects through the synapses of the brain. This means that drugs that are absorbed into the central nervous system can have different effects at different times depending upon the concentrations delivered
Sedatives have evolved over the years to become much more widely available and can be bought over-the-counter. While commonly used for routine administration of a wide range of medications, sedatives are particularly popular in the field of medicine. While some of the drugs have serious side effects, many provide a comfortable, peaceful environment in which to take the prescribed dosage and provide a measure of relief from the effects of a critical illness or injury. Sedatives have also proven effective in the treatment of acute injuries and serious illnesses and can even be administered to help chronic patients control their symptoms during times of disease or severe fatigue (2).
A Brief History of Sedatives.
Historically, sedatives have been used to treat a number of medical conditions, cancer, including their use as anesthesia for surgery, and even a type of stimulant called barbiturates. Popular sedatives that are most often taken for procedures in the ICU include midazolam, dipiazepines, and rocuronium. The history of sedatives goes back hundreds of years and can be traced to the ancient Egyptians who routinely administered a mixture of opium and barbiturates in the operating room to help alleviate pain and distress. Sedatives, which were also commonly used by the Chinese in the form of acupuncture needles, were first used in Europe in the 18th century as a method to induce sleep (2a).
Why People Use Sedatives
Many people take sedatives as a treatment for anxiety, migraine headaches, fear of surgery, insomnia, depression, panic attacks, and more. Prescription medications used to treat anxiety (anxiety drugs) and cause sleep (Sedatives, or? ), can become habit-forming and, thus, addictive. These medications include barbiturates, benzodiazepine, zolpidem, lorazepam, and many others. Each works differently in a different manner, and each has an entirely different potential for addiction and dependency (2c).
Some people take sedatives to help them get through long, difficult, boring, or traumatic procedures like anesthesia for dental work, surgery, or chemotherapy (3). This is often seen as a valid reason for taking hypnotic drugs. However, if a doctor gives someone hypnotic drugs and they become addicted, this could constitute a violation of the fifth amendment. The Fifth Amendment protects the individual against “unreasonable searches and seizures.” “seizure” includes the use of force against a person and includes the taking of drugs, but it does not include the deprivation of “life, liberty, and property.”
Categories of Sedatives
Sedatives, which come in three classifications, fall into two main categories. The first, known as non-benzodine sedatives, act in a different way than most other sedatives and are classified according to how long they act. They fall into one of three forms: immediate, intermediate, and delayed. Immediate sedatives generally act in a more rapid onset and effect, often within a few minutes of ingesting the drug. These drugs work to reduce the perception of bodily discomfort and to create a very relaxing environment.
The second category, known as benzodiazepines or TCAs, acts more gradually and has a longer-lasting effect. These sedatives can be grouped according to how long they act and also according to how quickly they affect the blood-brain barrier. TCAs act at slower rates and may take as long as 30 minutes to affect the blood-brain barrier. While all three types share some similar symptoms including restlessness, anxiety, phobias, nightmares, irritability, tremors, hyperventilation, slurred speech, and muscle twitching, their methods of action and effects will differ greatly.
Barbiturates Sedatives
Barbiturates are common in the practice of dentistry and are usually used for patients with minor dental problems that cause them to wake frequently. Barbiturates, along with other sedatives, function by suppressing the voluntary nervous system and central processing centers of the brain. The sedatives work by blocking the transmitters that excite the nerves and transmit the information from them to the brain through the blood-brain barrier. Some barbiturates excite the respiratory tract by blocking the nerve impulses controlling breathing. Barbiturates have sedative properties that are almost identical to those of oxygen, but they are more highly concentrated and thus have a longer-lasting effect on the body. They are generally administered intravenously or orally, with liquids usually being the preferred method of administration.
Benzodiazepines are commonly used in the treatment of anxiety disorders and other psychiatric conditions with a long-term effect on the cardiovascular system. These drugs act rapidly by inducing a state of relaxation and calming the patient. They reduce the rapid onset of unconsciousness, respiratory depression, and unconsciousness following cardiac arrest. Some benzodiazepines such as alprazolam also cause a form of amnesia, which is typically temporary. There are many side effects of these drugs that should be considered when considering their use, especially when using them in combination with other medications such as nitrates.
While these three classes of sedatives are widely used, the slowest effect level is attained by continuous infusion of propofol. Continuous infusion of propofol results in a profound effect over a one to two-hour period, with the drug steadily draining into the bloodstream at a rate of approximately one liter per minute. Because the effects of propofol are often profound, patients are usually given this drug in a hospital setting under close medical supervision.
Some Common Side Effects
Sedatives, however, are not without their side effects. Some of the more common long-term side effects from taking sedatives include depression, dizziness, fainting, decreased blood pressure, and allergic reactions to the diazepam or other sedative medications (3a). There are also some long-term side effects from taking certain drugs such as beta-blockers, anticoagulants, narcotics, and antihistamines.
Concerns About Oral Sedatives
The way the brain works makes it possible for some drugs to bypass the conscious mind entirely and travel directly to the spinal cord where they may then perform functions directly. While this bypassing of the brain offers some comfort in terms of bypassing the side effects, it is important to understand that there can be side effects when taking drugs directly to the spinal cord. The concern is especially true when taking oral sedatives. This is because, unlike the more superficial actions of sleeping, the effects of anesthetic drugs require the presence of both the tongue and the nose. This combination of two highly sensitive parts of the body requires more than one set of organs to break down and dilate the airway before delivering the drug into the airways.
Not only can oral sedatives produce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when stopped, but they can also create problems with the actual physical process of breathing. Because the anesthetic chemicals affect the nerves in the body, the interruption of normal breathing can result in a number of physical symptoms including difficulty swallowing, nausea, dizziness, and lightheadedness. While the most severe cases will probably result in death, even a temporary stoppage of breathing can cause life-threatening situations if they continue for too long. While the majority of people who experience these side effects will recover after a few hours, patients can develop phobias and extreme fear that could greatly increase the level of discomfort for them.
Long Term Effects of Sedatives
Over a long period of time, sedatives can lead to the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal as well. This is especially true in situations where alcohol is involved, such as with taking psychiatric drugs, tranquilizers, antidepressants, cough syrup, prescription pain killers, sedatives for diabetes, etc. The sedatives used in these cases are designed to make those who are addicted to pain medications or who have long-term symptoms of mental illness feel less anxious or distressed. Sedatives in this category include anti-anxiety drugs, anti-depressants, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, barbiturates (including alcohol), and tranquilizers. Unfortunately, people who suffer from long-term symptoms of schizophrenia may need to take much more than a single dose of an anti-anxiety drug to counter the problem.
Sedatives are often used in conjunction with other medications to counter the effects of withdrawal symptoms, which can make the process longer. For instance, sedatives combined with certain benzodiazepine-based drugs can help to shorten the amount of time it takes for someone to wean themselves from their addiction to those drugs. It is important to remember that sedatives can be addictive, just like most other drugs are. While they can be helpful when consumed properly, they can become habit-forming over time and become stronger.
Although sedatives are very helpful for treating insomnia, they can cause dangerous side effects if taken in combination with other medications. Some sedatives have been found to increase the blood pressure and heart rate to unacceptable levels. Others have been linked to increased strokes and even an increased risk of homicidal or suicidal thoughts. Because sedatives affect the brain chemistry of the person taking them, they should never be used by patients with a history of drug addiction or
Can Sedatives Be Used as a Cure for Certain Conditions?
With that said, it is important to remember that sedatives can be highly effective in treating a number of sleep disorders and anxiety disorders, but should never be considered a cure. In some cases, they can even be more dangerous than alcohol and other prescription medicines. For example, sedatives can significantly amplify the effects of certain prescription medications. They have also been known to affect brain function in such a way as to make patients more receptive to things like hallucinations and suicidal thoughts.
Despite their potential dangers, sedatives can still be used in certain situations to control anxiety and other symptoms effectively. The use of tranquilizers is one such example. While they are very effective in controlling symptoms of anxiety, they should not be seen as a cure since they tend to worsen anxiety in the long run. Additionally, they are quite addictive and can quickly lead to the patient becoming inactive and more of a couch potato, rather than getting proper restorative sleep. This is why it is often better to use sedatives and tranquilizers in conjunction with proper relaxation techniques and behavioral therapy to treat insomnia and anxiety.
Long Term Use of Sedatives, Dependency, and Addiction.
Sedatives are commonly used for a variety of purposes in the medical industry. They can be used to help people recovering from surgery or serious illnesses. As long as they are properly administered, sedatives can have very little effect on a person’s mental faculties. Most people who take them for extended periods of time will not suffer any ill effects, but there are some cases where people may begin to lose their ability to perform basic tasks. If you think that you or a family member might be struggling with dependency on sedatives, be certain to seek help from qualified medical professionals who can provide assistance and a secure environment for recovery, as well as proper treatment. Long-term use of sedatives can lead to some serious consequences (4)(5).
People suffering from conditions like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, insomnia, depression, and even schizophrenia often take sedatives to control brain activity during the times they require a restful sleep. While some people do experience an increase in brain activity while under the influence of controlled substances, this increase is often temporary and mild. Chronic use of sedatives in patients with these types of conditions can lead to severe changes in brain function that can cause memory loss, decreased thinking ability, and in some cases, total paralysis (6).
Certain central nervous system conditions like anxiety and depression make it particularly difficult to remain calm when under stress. In these cases, sedatives can be prescribed by the treating physician to allow a patient to relax and slow their heart rate and body movement. These medications are also sometimes prescribed for individuals who experience short-term memory loss due to certain medications or illnesses. Unfortunately, many medical professionals mistakenly believe that these medications are safe and effective, and will prescribe them without considering the potential side effects (7). Overuse of sedatives can lead to addiction, as patients must continually self-medicate to relieve their conditions. This can lead to health risks and even fatalities.
One of the most important things to remember in regard to sedatives and addiction is that treatment must occur before any changes are made to the medication or dosage. Once a diagnosis of a patient has been made, it is imperative that treatment begins immediately. Sedatives are used primarily as a “light therapy” to allow a person to fall asleep without the worry of being awakened by internal or external stimuli. But if the sedatives are used too often, they can lead to long-term problems with the liver, the kidneys, and/or the central nervous system, which can only increase the likelihood of addiction and abuse (8)(9).
In the early stages of recovery from an addiction to stimulants or central nervous systems medications (CNS), sedatives are often prescribed for short-term use to alleviate symptoms that don’t respond to lifestyle changes, natural treatments, or behavioral therapy. This is why the most commonly prescribed sedatives are benzodiazepines, which are also known as tranquilizers. Common sedatives used in conjunction with alcohol are diazepam and alprazolam.
Although sedatives can help someone with anxiety or chronic depression, they have some serious side effects. For example, the “zang-zang” effect is when the person on the medication experiences a rapid increase in heart rate accompanied by irritability, fatigue, confusion, sweating, increased blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting. This effect is not limited to alcohol abuse or substance abuse; it can also happen when someone takes a sedative to relax during surgery. The best way to avoid the negative side effects is to only take the recommended dosage. It is also important to consult your doctor about the use of this type of medication for any other medical condition (10).
If your loved one has become dependent on alcohol or other stimulants to relieve symptoms of anxiety or depression, they may also exhibit addictive behaviors. While many people only use alcohol and/or drugs for short periods of time, some become completely addicted to them. When an individual’s body becomes accustomed to certain substances, they may find that they have stronger cravings for the same substance when they are depressed or anxious. Sedatives may temporarily suppress these cravings so that the individual feels less desperate about their current situation.
What drugs are sedatives?
Drugs that are considered sedatives may include; Midazolam, Chloral hydrate, Pentobarbital, and Fentanyl. Other drugs also used may include Ketamine, Propofol, precedex, and Nitrous oxide (11)
Yes