Poisoning and overdose - hypnotics

Question 1

Sedative - hypnotics

Answer 1

• Class of drugs that cause a dose dependant depression of the central nervous systems function, including sedation, sleep, and unconsciousness with an increasing dose.
• Agents in this class of drugs include benzodiazepines, barbituates and melatonin agonists.
• Most of the sedative - hypnotic drugs affect GABAergic transmission increasing the inhibition of the excitability of the neurons.
• Sedative hypnotic drugs are used as anxiolytic sedatives, muscle relaxants, anesthetics and anticonvulsants.

Question 2

Common side effects of sedatives - hypnotic

Answer 2

usually, a result of long-term exposure to excessive nervous system depression and including confusion, drowsiness, somnolence, and respiratory depression

• Long-term use of sedative-hypnotics is associated with risk of dependency.