What is Sedative Hypnotic Drug?
The name Sedative hypnotic drugs are deriving the meaning of it, sedative meaning induces calm. While the Hypnotic effect refers to induce sleep. The sedative hypnotic drug is the chemical substance used for reducing tension, anxiety and to induce calm or to induce sleep. Usually, such drugs at low dosage induce the calming effect, while consuming in large dosage it induces a sleeping effect. Sedative hypnotics will depress the central nervous system. These processes can even be archived by using other drugs. But only sedatives and hypnotics have the selective ability to achieve the process without affecting the mood or reducing the sensitivity of pain.
Origin of Sedative Hypnotic Drugs
In the olden day, alcohol and opium were only used as drugs for sedatives and hypnotics. In the 1800s the first alternative for sedative hypnotics has come to market in the form of liquid as bromide salt solution. In 1869, the chloral hydrate is derived from ethyl alcohol, which was used as a synthetic sedative hypnotic drugs. In the 1880s Paraldehyde was introduces into clinical medicine. And it was followed in 1903, by the synthesis of barbital. In 1912, the phenobarbital starts availing in the market and used for the next twenty years. From the mid of 20th century, two new types of sedatives and hypnotics came into use, they are benzodiazepines and Barbiturates. The benzodiazepines are also called minor tranquilizers. In the 20th century, Barbiturates are wide as sleeping pills for the entire first half of the 20th century. These medicines are also used as voluntary inhibition during psychiatric examinations.
Phenobarbital, amobarbital, secobarbital, and pentobarbital are the most commonly prescribed drugs. While intaking these drugs in high dosage are capable of creating deep unconsciousness. So, this was used as general anaesthetics. However, the overdosing of sedative hypnotic drugs side effects the complete central nervous and respiratory systems may lead to coma, respiratory failure, and death. In the 1950s, benzodiazepines were developed and banned the use of Barbiturates. The benzodiazepines are more effective in relieving anxiety for inducing sleep. The benzodiazepines contain, diazepam, alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, oxazepam and triazolam. Even while intaking the high dosage of benzodiazepines reduces the causes of risk and lesser the depression of the central nervous system. The benzodiazepines are also can create their effect within the brain by creating the actions of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, which results to inhibit anxiety.
Sedative Hypnotics Classification
Based on its performance, sedative drugs and hypnotic drugs are classified.
Classification of Sedative Drugs
Sedative medications are mainly classified into three types.
Barbiturates
These drugs can be taken on their own or can take along with anaesthesia. This can be used to medicate seizure disorder. Eg: Nembutal and phenobarbital
Benzodiazepines
These drugs are mainly used for treating seizures, muscular spasms, and anxiety. Eg: Librium (chlordiazepoxide), Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam), Valium (diazepam), Halcion (triazolam), Serax (oxazepam), and Klonopin (clonazepam). Rohypnol is 10 times stronger than Valium. So, it is used as date rape.
Z-Drug Sleep Medications
These drugs are mainly used as the receptor in the central nervous system called BZ1, which helps as sleeping assistance. Anyhow, psychologists do not allow the patients to intake this medicine for a long period. For eg. Lunesta (eszopiclone), Ambien (zolpidem), and Sonata (zaleplon).
Classification of Hypnotic Drugs
Hypnotic drugs are also known as soporific drugs. They are used as the medication to treat sleeping illness, insomnia, and also as surgical anaesthesia. Hypnotic drugs are widely classified as Benzodiazepine (BZ) and Non-Benzodiazepine (BZ). They are further widely classified as
Ultra rapidly elimination hypnotics
Rapidly elimination hypnotics
Relatively slow elimination hypnotics
Slow elimination hypnotics
What is the Difference Between Sedative and Hypnotic?
While comparing to the hypnotic, the sedative drugs will act as better analgesia or pain relief.
The Sedative drugs will produce a relaxing and calming effect. So, it can be preferred to intake during the daytime. Hypnotic drugs make patients fall asleep. So, it is can be preferred to take during nighttime.
Sedative Hypnotic Drugs Side Effects
The regular intake of sedative Hypnotic drugs may raise tolerance in the human body and create side effects as listed below.
Dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion.
Feeling depressed and anxiety.
Inappropriate behaviour and Mood swing.
Risk of addiction.
Breathing difficulties.
Trouble on thinking and focusing.
Frequent memory loss.
Liver failure or damage of tissues.
Addicted to drugs.
Feel Nervous and loss of appetite.
FAQs on Sedative-Hypnotic Drug
1. What are sedative-hypnotic drugs?
Sedative-hypnotic drugs are a class of medications that act as central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Their primary function is to slow down brain activity. At lower doses, they produce a calming or sedative effect, helping to reduce anxiety and agitation. At higher doses, the same drugs produce a sleep-inducing or hypnotic effect, which is why they are used to treat sleep disorders.
2. How are sedative-hypnotic drugs classified with examples?
Sedative-hypnotic drugs are mainly classified based on their chemical structure and mechanism of action. The two major classes relevant to the CBSE syllabus are:
- Barbiturates: These are older drugs that have a high potential for tolerance and dependence. Examples include Phenobarbital and Pentobarbital. They are often used as anticonvulsants or for anaesthesia.
- Benzodiazepines: These are a more modern class of drugs that are generally considered safer than barbiturates. They are widely used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Common examples include Diazepam (Valium), Lorazepam, and Alprazolam (Xanax).
3. What medical conditions are treated with sedative-hypnotic drugs?
These drugs are prescribed by doctors to treat a range of conditions. Their primary applications include:
- Anxiety Disorders: To manage symptoms of generalised anxiety, panic disorders, and social phobias.
- Insomnia and Sleep Disorders: To help initiate and maintain sleep.
- Seizure Disorders: Certain drugs like barbiturates and some benzodiazepines act as powerful anticonvulsants.
- Pre-Anesthetic Sedation: To calm patients before surgery and medical procedures.
4. What is the key difference between a sedative and a hypnotic effect?
The primary difference lies in the dose and the intended effect on the patient's consciousness. A sedative effect aims to calm a person, reduce anxiety, and decrease activity without causing sleep. A hypnotic effect is stronger and is intended to produce drowsiness and induce a state of sleep that resembles natural sleep. Essentially, most sedative-hypnotic drugs can produce both effects: a low dose is sedative, while a high dose is hypnotic.
5. How do sedative-hypnotic drugs like benzodiazepines affect the brain?
Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the activity of a specific neurotransmitter in the brain called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning its job is to reduce neuronal excitability. These drugs bind to GABA-A receptors, making them more responsive to GABA. This increased inhibitory action slows down nerve transmissions, resulting in the calming (sedative) and sleep-inducing (hypnotic) effects on the body.
6. Why are sedative-hypnotic drugs often prescribed for short-term use only?
Sedative-hypnotic drugs are typically for short-term use due to significant risks associated with long-term consumption. The main concerns are:
- Tolerance: The body adapts to the drug, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect.
- Dependence: The body can become physically and psychologically dependent on the drug, leading to withdrawal symptoms if it is stopped abruptly.
- Addiction and Abuse: These drugs have a high potential for abuse, where they are used for non-medical reasons.
- Impaired Cognitive Function: Long-term use can affect memory, coordination, and judgement.
