What do sedatives include

They're sometimes used to treat seizure disorders. Some examples of barbiturates include Nembutal pentobarbital and phenobarbital. Benzodiazepines: These drugs are also used to treat seizures, as well as for muscle spasms, and anxiety before medical procedures.

Some examples of benzodiazepines include Xanax alprazolam , Valium diazepam , Ativan lorazepam , Librium chlordiazepoxide , Halcion triazolam , Serax oxazepam , and Klonopin clonazepam.

Rohypnol flunitrazepam is a short-acting benzodiazepine that is 10 times stronger than Valium. Rohypnol has been used as a "date rape" drug, and is no longer legal in the United States. Some examples of "Z-drug" medications include Ambien zolpidem , Lunesta eszopiclone , and Sonata zaleplon.

Hallucinations and psychosis have been reported in some people who take these drugs, and they're not intended for long-term use. The effects of using sedatives can resemble those of alcohol. In addition to their desired calming effects, sedative use can cause:.

Just like sedatives, tranquilizers can treat anxiety and sleep issues, but they also act to stabilize your mental health conditions, like bipolar disorder. Your doctor might prescribe a tranquilizer to you to help you cope with a short-term crisis.

Antipsychotic agents — These drugs, also known as neuroleptics, include Abilify, Seroquel, and Risperdal. They work by altering chemical levels within the brain. While that can be helpful, these medications can also cause side effects like:. Benzodiazepines are included in this class. Many people struggle with just one or two symptoms, and they may not recognize they have a problem. Or they may believe concerned loved ones are overreacting.

Over time, however, the issues can progress. Detox is usually the first step. During detox, your body flushes out the toxins and you enter withdrawal. Withdrawal simply refers to your body adjusting to the absence of the drug. Common withdrawal symptoms include:. Medical detox is always recommended for stopping sedative use because it may not be safe to quit these substances cold-turkey. Doing so can result in seizures, which can be fatal.

If you have a mood disorder, you might be prescribed antipsychotic drugs to help with your symptoms. This is another reason being under professional medical care at the beginning of your recovery journey is crucial: The experts can help take care of your brain and body, keeping you safe. A physician will closely monitor your symptoms. These options are crucial because detox alone is rarely sufficient for long-term recovery. You may need things that others do not, or you may not need solutions that they do.

Your treatment team can help you to find the program that works best for you, so you can step away from sedatives or tranquilizers for good. Since , it has extended resources, advocacy and thought leadership to its members. Sedatives are central nervous system depressants and vary widely in their potency. They are usually in the form of a pill or liquid. Though sedatives are used widely for their medicinal properties, abuse of sedatives can result in dependence and addiction.

Sedatives are used to treat varying conditions; a few common examples include anxiety, tension, seizures, panic disorders and sleep disorders. Most sedatives that are used for recreational purposes have been diverted from medical use. See Prescription Drug Abuse for more information. The effects of sedatives can last anywhere from a couple of hours to more than a day.

Generally, sedatives cause physical depression, muscular relaxation and sedation; due to the varying types of sedatives, there is a range of other effects depending on which substance has been taken. Sedatives depress most body functions, so they greatly impact the ability to drive, operate machinery and participate in tasks requiring muscle coordination.