Mar 29, 2021 · Sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics (also known as depressants) slow down or “depresses” neurotransmission levels and reduce arousal/stimulation in various areas of the brain. The most common class of medications misused in this disorder are benzodiazepines (“benzos,” “downers,” “tranks,” “nerve pills”). Insomnia is a conspicuous problem in modern 24 h society. In this brief overview, medications used to treat insomnia such as hypnotics, sedatives, medications inducing sedation as a side effect, medications directed at the sleep-associated circadian neuroendocrine system, and agents utilized in treating insomnia-inducing sleep diagnoses such as restless leg syndrome are discussed.categories of sedative-hypnotics. The drugs in each of these groups are similar in chemical structure. Some well-known barbiturates are secobarbital (Seconal) and pentobarbital (Nembutal). Diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and chlorazepate (Tranxene) are examples of benzodiazepines. A few sedative-hypnotics do not fit in either ...Quetiapine is the most commonly used antipsychotic for sleep disorders. Interestingly, trazodone is one of the most widely used sedative agents, yet has the least amount of evidence. 27 For mirtazapine to be used as a sedative-hypnotic, it must be dosed at 7.5 mg to 15 mg at bedtime, which affords the most affinity for anticholinergic effects. 28Anxiolytic and Hypnotic Drugs. Anxiolytic-hypnotics agents are used to alter an individual’s responses to environmental stimuli. These agents are referred to as anxiolytics (prevent feelings of tension or fear ), sedatives (help patient feel calm and unaware of their environment), and hypnotics (help patients sleep ).The second category includes patients who use sedative-hypnotics in nonmedical settings of self-medicating or potentially alcohol or polydrug abuse or dependence. Sometimes, these individuals may use benzodiazepines to manage chronic anxiety or insomnia, to enhance the euphoric effects of opioids, and to lessen the withdrawal associated with ...sedative-hypnotic: (sĕd′ə-tĭv-hĭp-nŏt′ĭk) n. A drug, such as a barbiturate or antianxiety agent, that depresses the activity of the central nervous system and is used to relieve anxiety and induce sleep.Drugs used mainly to cause sleep are called hypnotics. The difference between sedatives and hypnotics, then, is usually the amount of the dose; lower doses have a calming effect and higher doses cause sleep . Recent studies have shown that herbal drugs exert good sedative and hypnotic effect on the central nervous system [4–6].Sedatives are drugs that can be used to calm down, treat sleep disorders, and as a general anesthetic in high doses. ... Antidepressants, anxiolytics, and hypnotics in pregnancy and lactation. DOI ...Jan 13, 2023 · Anxiolytics are a class of medications aimed at treating patients with panic disorders, generalized anxiety, and various other uses. Sedatives(hypnotics) are a class of drugs used in different situations ranging from treating insomnia to treating someone connected to a mechanical ventilator. Both of these classes of medications have broad uses in various conditions and are effective when used ... Nonbenzodiazepine “Z-drugs” sedative-hypnotics are drugs that differ in structure from benzodiazepines, but acts on a subset of the benzodiazepine receptor family known as BZ1.Sep 30, 2021 · Hypnotics Also known as nonbenzodiazepine sleep medications or Z-drugs, hypnotics are similar to benzodiazepines but cause fewer side effects. Doctors typically use hypnotics to treat sleep disorders. Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants are medicines that include sedatives, tranquilizers, and hypnotics. These drugs can slow brain activity, making them useful for treating anxiety, panic, acute stress reactions, and sleep disorders. CNS depressants cause drowsiness; sedatives are often prescribed to treat sleep disorders like insomnia and ...Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder is a misuse of sedative, hypnotics, or anxiolytic substances. Sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics can be obtained legally and illegally. Addiction to these substances often occurs together with other drugs of abuse. This usually reflects an effort to counteract the effects of those other drugs.Jan 13, 2023 · Anxiolytics are a class of medications aimed at treating patients with panic disorders, generalized anxiety, and various other uses. Sedatives(hypnotics) are a class of drugs used in different situations ranging from treating insomnia to treating someone connected to a mechanical ventilator. Both of these classes of medications have broad uses in various conditions and are effective when used ... Diagnostic Criteria for Sedative,Hypnotic and Anxiolytic Use Disorder. The new diagnosis requires at least 2 of the following criteria. The disorder is mild if 2-3 criteria are met, moderate if 4-5 are present and severe with 6-7 or more. Continuing to use a substance, in this case a barbiturate, benzodiazepine or other sedative-hypnotic ...Drug class: miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics. For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects. For professionals: Prescribing Information. Expand current row for information about Desyrel Dividose Desyrel Dividose: 9.0 Sedative-, hypnotic-, or anxiolytic- (SHA-) related disorders include SHA intoxication, SHA withdrawal, and SHA-use disorder. These disorders result from abuse of a class of medications known as ...Zolpidem is used to treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). Zolpidem belongs to a class of medications called sedative-hypnotics. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow sleep.Barbiturates are medications that cause you to relax or feel drowsy. They can also stop or prevent convulsions and seizures. The most common uses are for anesthesia reasons, treating epilepsy and nonepileptic seizures, insomnia and other conditions. Barbiturates belong to the sedative-hypnotic class of medications.A 2018 overview of sedatives and hypnotics states that this type of medication can be effective for short-term use, but it may make insomnia worse if used over a long period of time.BZ1 is responsible for the sedative-hypnotic and anticonvulsant effects, while BZ2 mediates anxiety relief and impairment of cognitive functions. Most benzodiazepines act at both BZ receptors, but many Z-drugs, such as zolpidem (Ambien®), zaleplon (Sonata®), and eszopiclone (Lunesta®), are selective for the BZ1 receptor.Mechanism of Action. Benzodiazepines, like alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin) and clonazepam) act on the central nervous system (CNS) and brain. They are known pharmacologically as GABAergic agents, sedative-hypnotics, or minor tranquilizers. Benzodiazepines work by enhancing a very important neurotransmitter called ...Jan 10, 2022 · Sedative-, hypnotic-, or anxiolytic- (SHA-) related disorders include SHA intoxication, SHA withdrawal, and SHA-use disorder. These disorders result from abuse of a class of medications known as ... Sleeping pills are a type of sedative hypnotic. They’re extremely potent and act as short-term relief for insomnia. Most often, sleeping pills come from the drugs classified as benzodiazepines or the non-benzodiazepine Z-drugs. Examples of sedative hypnotics that are prescribed as sleeping pills include: Ambien (zolpidem) Butisol (butabarbital) Aug 13, 2019 · These hypnotics should we used with caution in older adults and for no longer than 90 days, even if eszopiclone is approved for prolonged use. Particular caution should be used in patient with dementia, according to a Cochrane systematic review, there is a lack of randomized controlled trials of benoziazepine or non-benzodiazepine hypnotics in ... Treatment with sedative hypnotics improves the quality of sleep, evaluated subjectively. The effect size (0.14) is small according to the classification by Cohen (in which a small effect size is about 0.2). 42 Sleep quality is a measure of efficacy for sleep medications and also a measure of patient satisfaction.Sedatives are the drug which moderately depress the central nervous system (CNS), moderate the excitement and calm the recipient. The effect produced by sedatives is known as sedation. All hypnotics in lower doses act as sedatives. ADVERTISEMENTS: Both hypnotics and sedatives induce widespread depression of CNS, however, being mainly quantitative. 1._____ produce a sense of calm, reduce nervousness, excitability, and irritability without causing sleep unless given in a large enough dose. 2._____ cause sleep with a much more potent CNS effect than 3._____. 4._____ can act as either a sedative or a hypnotic depending on the dose and patient responsiveness. In low doses, they calm the CNS ... Dec 13, 1993 · What are sedative-hypnotics? Sedative-hypnotics are drugs which depress or slow down the body's functions. Often these drugs are referred to as tranquilizers and sleeping pills or sometimes just as sedatives. Their effects range from calming down anxious people to promoting sleep. Both tranquilizers and sleeping pills can have either effect ... Sleeping pills are a type of sedative hypnotic. They’re extremely potent and act as short-term relief for insomnia. Most often, sleeping pills come from the drugs classified as benzodiazepines or the non-benzodiazepine Z-drugs. Examples of sedative hypnotics that are prescribed as sleeping pills include: Ambien (zolpidem) Butisol (butabarbital) Sedative hypnotics include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and various hypnotics. Benzodiazepines such as Ativan, Librium, Valium, and Xanax are anti-anxiety medications. They also increase ... Antianxiety and sedative drugs are used with a variety of different psychiatric disorders, usually in combination with other medications. Different Types of Medications . Antianxiety and sedative medications can be divided into two broad classes of drugs: Antianxiety medications and sedative-hypnotics (the term hypnotic refers to sleep inducing). Sedative medications are widely used for treatment of insomnia and anxiety but have potential for misuse and abuse by patients. This article uses two actual patient cases to illustrate problematic patient behavior with use of prescribed sedatives, and the discussion describes ways that clinicians can effectively deal with sedative abuse and its consequences.a sedative-hypnotic agent. Anytal (correct spelling Amytal), is classified as a hypnotic agent. Doriden, Noludar and Paxipam are no longer available. Noctec, a brand of Chloral Hydrate is not available on the market. Added: Gen-Xene (Clorazepate) Klonopin (Clonazepam) These medications are currently available and classified as antianxiety agents.How do Sedative Hypnotics Work? Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines bind to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptors. Gamma-aminobutyric acid is a neurotransmitter that slows the activity of nerves. Benzodiazepines reduce brain activity and cause sleep by increasing the effect of GABA.Sep 30, 2021 · Hypnotics Also known as nonbenzodiazepine sleep medications or Z-drugs, hypnotics are similar to benzodiazepines but cause fewer side effects. Doctors typically use hypnotics to treat sleep disorders. a sedative-hypnotic agent. Anytal (correct spelling Amytal), is classified as a hypnotic agent. Doriden, Noludar and Paxipam are no longer available. Noctec, a brand of Chloral Hydrate is not available on the market. Added: Gen-Xene (Clorazepate) Klonopin (Clonazepam) These medications are currently available and classified as antianxiety agents.Sedative-hypnotic drugs — sometimes called "depressants" — and anxiolytic (antianxiety) drugs slow down the activity of the brain. Benzodiazepines ( Ativan, Halcion, Librium, Valium, Xanax, Rohypnol) are the best known. An older class of drugs, called barbiturates (Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, phenobarbital) fit into this broad category.Overview. Most anxiolytics (‘sedatives’) will induce sleep when given at night and most hypnotics will sedate when given during the day. Prescribing of these drugs is widespread but dependence (both physical and psychological) and tolerance occur. This may lead to difficulty in withdrawing the drug after the patient has been taking it ... Sedative-hypnotics include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and non-benzodiazepines (such as Z-drugs). We will discuss some of these in greater detail during Unit 4 on psychotherapeutic drugs, but, for this chapter, we will focus on barbiturates. Other types of drugs have sedative effects through action on the GABA receptor, such as γ ...Overview. Most anxiolytics (‘sedatives’) will induce sleep when given at night and most hypnotics will sedate when given during the day. Prescribing of these drugs is widespread but dependence (both physical and psychological) and tolerance occur. This may lead to difficulty in withdrawing the drug after the patient has been taking it ... The second category includes patients who use sedative-hypnotics in nonmedical settings of self-medicating or potentially alcohol or polydrug abuse or dependence. Sometimes, these individuals may use benzodiazepines to manage chronic anxiety or insomnia, to enhance the euphoric effects of opioids, and to lessen the withdrawal associated with ...Sedatives are drugs that can be used to calm down, treat sleep disorders, and as a general anesthetic in high doses. ... Antidepressants, anxiolytics, and hypnotics in pregnancy and lactation. DOI ...Sedative-hypnotic drug products are a class of drugs used to induce and/or maintain sleep. FDA Drug Safety Communications: FDA adds Boxed Warning for risk of serious injuries caused by...May 10, 2023 · Hypnotics. Although various drugs that fall under the umbrella of “sedatives” will differ greatly, many share the ability to create a sense of calm and drowsiness. 1 This is why sedatives, depending on the specific medication being used, are often prescribed for anxiety, panic, and sleep disorders. 1. Prescription Sedative Drugs Mar 14, 2021 · A sedative is a drug which reduces activity and alertness by producing a calming effect on the subject. A hypnotic is a drug which induces drowsiness and promotes sleep onset and maintenance. The subject can be easily aroused from the state of sleep induced by a hypnotic. Both sedatives and hypnotics are CNS depressants. Sedative-hypnotics are among the most commonly prescribed psychoactive drugs by primary care physicians. Approximately 4.6% of all Americans have used legally prescribed anxiolytics, sedatives, or hypnotics in the past 30 days. [ 10 ]Sedative-hypnotics increase the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical that slows brain activity. This causes the calming effect that make sedative-hypnotics effective for treating anxiety and sleep disorders. For the first days of use, a person taking a sedative-hypnotic drug may feel sleepy and clumsy until their body adapts ...May 11, 2009 · Selective histamine H1 antagonists are under development. 23 Sedative antidepressants such as trazodone, low-dose doxepin, and mirtazapine are also widely used as hypnotics, particularly in patients with insomnia and comorbid depression. 24 This use is unsupported by convincing controlled data. 25 Any antiarousal sleep-promoting effects are ... SAFER PRESCRIBING OF SEDATIVE-HYPNOTICS GUIDELINE SCOPE: This Safer Prescribing of Sedative-hypnotic Medication Guideline is intended to offer prescribing guidance for providers, clients and the interested general public to increase the effectiveness and safety of sedative-hypnotic use. It is not intended to be comprehensive in scope.Nov 14, 2022 · Sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics use disorder is the chronic (> 12 months), problematic pattern of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use causing significant distress. These types of drugs subdue excitement, promote calm, or induce/maintain sleep Sleep A readily reversible suspension of sensorimotor interaction with the environment, usually ... Sedatives and hypnotics are considered sisters because they both induce drowsiness in patients. Hypnotics induce sleep that is electroencephalographically similar to natural sleep, whereas sedatives induce calmness in the recipient and moderate excitement to the point where the patient cannot be easily aroused.Mar 14, 2021 · A sedative is a drug which reduces activity and alertness by producing a calming effect on the subject. A hypnotic is a drug which induces drowsiness and promotes sleep onset and maintenance. The subject can be easily aroused from the state of sleep induced by a hypnotic. Both sedatives and hypnotics are CNS depressants. Sedative-hypnotic drug products are a class of drugs used to induce and/or maintain sleep. FDA Drug Safety Communications: FDA adds Boxed Warning for risk of serious injuries caused by... Sedatives are drugs that can be used to calm down, treat sleep disorders, and as a general anesthetic in high doses. ... Antidepressants, anxiolytics, and hypnotics in pregnancy and lactation. DOI ...Mechanism of Action. Benzodiazepines, like alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin) and clonazepam) act on the central nervous system (CNS) and brain. They are known pharmacologically as GABAergic agents, sedative-hypnotics, or minor tranquilizers. Benzodiazepines work by enhancing a very important neurotransmitter called ... Sedative-hypnotics include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and non-benzodiazepines (such as Z-drugs). We will discuss some of these in greater detail during Unit 4 on psychotherapeutic drugs, but, for this chapter, we will focus on barbiturates. Other types of drugs have sedative effects through action on the GABA receptor, such as γ ...1._____ produce a sense of calm, reduce nervousness, excitability, and irritability without causing sleep unless given in a large enough dose. 2._____ cause sleep with a much more potent CNS effect than 3._____. 4._____ can act as either a sedative or a hypnotic depending on the dose and patient responsiveness. In low doses, they calm the CNS ...Mar 12, 2015 · Sedative and hypnotics are the drugs which can reduce anxiety and produce a calming effect by inducing the onset of sleep as well as maintaining sleeping duration . Nowadays, these drugs are extensively used in treatment of different psychiatric disorders including anxiety and insomnia. The increased prescribing of Z-hypnotics is of concern, especially among older adults, given the association of prolonged Z-hypnotic use with increased risk of falls or fractures and ED visits. 31,32 In their analysis of ED visits for adverse drug events, Hampton et al 32 found that zolpidem tartrate, the most commonly used Z-hypnotic ...Antidepressants. Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant and is believed to exert sleep maintenance effects due to a strong binding affinity for histamine H1 receptors, which allows the use of the drug as a sedative at doses lower than those required for major depressive disorder. [39684] Nonbenzodiazepine Benzodiazepine-Receptor Agonists.Treatment of mild-to-moderate sedative-hypnotic withdrawal. The use of a long-acting barbiturate decreases the severity of withdrawal symptoms, and phenobarbital can be chosen in preference to other sedatives because of its longer half-life. Phenobarbital is a pharmaceutical that binds to the GABA-A receptor like benzodiazepines.SAFER PRESCRIBING OF SEDATIVE-HYPNOTICS GUIDELINE SCOPE: This Safer Prescribing of Sedative-hypnotic Medication Guideline is intended to offer prescribing guidance for providers, clients and the interested general public to increase the effectiveness and safety of sedative-hypnotic use. It is not intended to be comprehensive in scope.Drugs for insomnia, which are also known as sedatives, hypnotics, medications for sleep, sleeping aids or more colloquially “sleeping pills”, are some of the most commonly used medications, both by prescription and over-the-counter. Insomnia affects up to 20% of the adult population and can be trans …Aug 13, 2019 · These hypnotics should we used with caution in older adults and for no longer than 90 days, even if eszopiclone is approved for prolonged use. Particular caution should be used in patient with dementia, according to a Cochrane systematic review, there is a lack of randomized controlled trials of benoziazepine or non-benzodiazepine hypnotics in ... Sedative hypnotics include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and various hypnotics. Benzodiazepines such as Ativan, Librium, Valium, and Xanax are anti-anxiety medications. They also increase ...Overview. Most anxiolytics (‘sedatives’) will induce sleep when given at night and most hypnotics will sedate when given during the day. Prescribing of these drugs is widespread but dependence (both physical and psychological) and tolerance occur. This may lead to difficulty in withdrawing the drug after the patient has been taking it ... The older sedative-hypnotics that have a prolonged half-life increase the risk for next-day sedation and daytime psychomotor impairment and pose an increased risk for abuse and dependence. Other complications of benzodiazepine use include tolerance, withdrawal, abuse, and rebound insomnia.Hypnotics Also known as nonbenzodiazepine sleep medications or Z-drugs, hypnotics are similar to benzodiazepines but cause fewer side effects. Doctors typically use hypnotics to treat sleep disorders.Hypnotic drugs, therefore, may be contraindicated in patients with or at risk of depression. Hypnotics were found to be more likely to cause depression than to help it. Studies have found that long-term users of sedative hypnotic drugs have a markedly raised suicide risk as well as an overall increased mortality risk.Sedative and hypnotics are the drugs which can reduce anxiety and produce a calming effect by inducing the onset of sleep as well as maintaining sleeping duration . Nowadays, these drugs are extensively used in treatment of different psychiatric disorders including anxiety and insomnia.a sedative-hypnotic agent. Anytal (correct spelling Amytal), is classified as a hypnotic agent. Doriden, Noludar and Paxipam are no longer available. Noctec, a brand of Chloral Hydrate is not available on the market. Added: Gen-Xene (Clorazepate) Klonopin (Clonazepam) These medications are currently available and classified as antianxiety agents.The use of hypnotics and sedatives (N05C) over time has an average consumption rate that is much lower than those corresponding to anxiolytics and antidepressants (μ = 10.36; σ = 1.01). Figure 4 depicts the use of antidepressants, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotic drugs in Portugal from 2000 to 2018.Overview. Most anxiolytics (‘sedatives’) will induce sleep when given at night and most hypnotics will sedate when given during the day. Prescribing of these drugs is widespread but dependence (both physical and psychological) and tolerance occur. This may lead to difficulty in withdrawing the drug after the patient has been taking it ...Non-Benzodiazepine Sedative Hypnotics. The non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics are a newer class of sedative drugs and include zolpidem (e.g., Ambien ®), zaleplon (e.g., Sonata ®), zopiclone (e.g., Imovane ®), and eszopiclone (e.g., Lunesta ®). Often referred to as the ‘Z-drugs,’ these compounds have a different chemical structure to ...Benzodiazepine - Wikipedia. ), colloquially called " ", are a class of whose core chemical structure is the fusion of a ring. They are prescribed to treat conditions such as . The first benzodiazepine, chlordiazepoxide (Librium), was discovered accidentally by in 1955 and was made available in 1960 by Hoffmann–La Roche, who soon followed with ...Drug class: miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics. For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects. For professionals: Prescribing Information. Expand current row for information about Desyrel Dividose Desyrel Dividose: 9.0
Because prior studies that have examined cotherapy of sedative-hypnotics with SSRIs have excluded people at significant risk of suicide (9, 12), there is insufficient evidence to determine whether sedative-hypnotics alter the risk of suicide. This is an important area of investigation because clinicians are often unwilling to prescribe sedative .... Quick
See full list on drugs.com Antianxiety and sedative drugs are used with a variety of different psychiatric disorders, usually in combination with other medications. Different Types of Medications . Antianxiety and sedative medications can be divided into two broad classes of drugs: Antianxiety medications and sedative-hypnotics (the term hypnotic refers to sleep inducing).Sleeping pills are a type of sedative hypnotic. They’re extremely potent and act as short-term relief for insomnia. Most often, sleeping pills come from the drugs classified as benzodiazepines or the non-benzodiazepine Z-drugs. Examples of sedative hypnotics that are prescribed as sleeping pills include: Ambien (zolpidem) Butisol (butabarbital) Treatment of mild-to-moderate sedative-hypnotic withdrawal. The use of a long-acting barbiturate decreases the severity of withdrawal symptoms, and phenobarbital can be chosen in preference to other sedatives because of its longer half-life. Phenobarbital is a pharmaceutical that binds to the GABA-A receptor like benzodiazepines.Overview. Most anxiolytics (‘sedatives’) will induce sleep when given at night and most hypnotics will sedate when given during the day. Prescribing of these drugs is widespread but dependence (both physical and psychological) and tolerance occur. This may lead to difficulty in withdrawing the drug after the patient has been taking it ...Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder is a misuse of sedative, hypnotics, or anxiolytic substances. Sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics can be obtained legally and illegally. Addiction to these substances often occurs together with other drugs of abuse. This usually reflects an effort to counteract the effects of those other drugs.Benzodiazepine hypnotics are used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Benzodiazepines produce sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, and muscle relaxant effects. Benzodiazepines shorten sleep latency and reduce the number of awakenings and the time spent in stage of wakefulness. All benzodiazepines are controlled substances in schedule IV.What are Anxiolytics, sedatives, and hypnotics? Anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are medicines that work on the central nervous system to relieve anxiety , aid sleep, or have a calming effect. The benzodiazepines are the main class of drugs that fit into this category.The use of hypnotics and sedatives (N05C) over time has an average consumption rate that is much lower than those corresponding to anxiolytics and antidepressants (μ = 10.36; σ = 1.01). Figure 4 depicts the use of antidepressants, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotic drugs in Portugal from 2000 to 2018.Sedative-hypnotic abuse and addiction is a complex, heterogeneous disorder, with biological (genetic) factors strongly influencing risk for dependence. Physiological dependence and associated withdrawal are thought to be a powerful motivational force that perpetuates sedative-hypnotic use/abuse, and enhances vulnerability to relapse. Sedative-hypnotic drug products are a class of drugs used to induce and/or maintain sleep. FDA Drug Safety Communications: FDA adds Boxed Warning for risk of serious injuries caused by...How do Sedative Hypnotics Work? Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines bind to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptors. Gamma-aminobutyric acid is a neurotransmitter that slows the activity of nerves. Benzodiazepines reduce brain activity and cause sleep by increasing the effect of GABA.Sedative-, hypnotic-, or anxiolytic- (SHA-) related disorders include SHA intoxication, SHA withdrawal, and SHA-use disorder. These disorders result from abuse of a class of medications known as ...Non-Benzodiazepine Sedative Hypnotics. The non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics are a newer class of sedative drugs and include zolpidem (e.g., Ambien ®), zaleplon (e.g., Sonata ®), zopiclone (e.g., Imovane ®), and eszopiclone (e.g., Lunesta ®). Often referred to as the ‘Z-drugs,’ these compounds have a different chemical structure to ...Sedative-hypnotics increase the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical that slows brain activity. This causes the calming effect that make sedative-hypnotics effective for treating anxiety and sleep disorders. For the first days of use, a person taking a sedative-hypnotic drug may feel sleepy and clumsy until their body adapts ....