Sedative Hypnotics
Denise Eberhart
Physiological Complications
October 21, 2011
Instructor: Jerry Van Kirk
SEDATIVE HYPNOTICS
FACT SHEET
SEDATIVE HYPNOTICS
DEFINITION
TYPES OF SEDATIVE HYPNOTICS
A drug, such as a barbiturate or anti-anxiety agent, that depresses
the activity of the central nervous system and is used to relieve
anxiety and induce sleep.
Barbiturates: These drugs cause suppression of the
respiratory system and are extremely addictive
Benzodiazepines: These are the most commonly used form of
sedative medication today used for anxiety and drug/alcohol
withdrawal. Both physically and psychologically addictive.
Sedative Hypnotics: These are newer forms of sedatives used
primarily for sleep
Intravenous Sedatives: Used for more intense sedation
(barbiturate or benzodiazepine)
LIST OF SEDATIVE HYPNOTICS BY
NAME
Benzodiazepines:
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Diazepam(Valium)
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Flurazepam (Dalmane)
Triazolam (Halcion) Temazepam (Hydroxydiazepam;
Methyloxazepam; Oxydiazepam
Lorazepam
LIST OF SEDATIVE HYPNOTICS BY NAME
 Barbiturates/Anesthetics
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Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
Phenobarbital (Luminal)
Thiopental (Pentothal)
Secobarbital (Seconal)
Sedative Hypnotics
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Ambien
Lunesta
Intravenous Sedatives
STREET NAMES FOR SEDATIVE
HYPNOTICS
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Propolol
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Benzo’s
Downers
Xanax: “Xanies”
“Tranks”
“Vals” (Valium)
“Date rape drug;” “Ruphies” (Flunitrazepam)
“Ludes” “Quaaludes”
“Yellow Jackets” (Phenobarbitol)
"Reds" or "Sekkies" (Secobarbital /Seconal)
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THERAPEUTIC USES OF SEDATIVE
HYPNOTICS
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Barbiturates —
Short-acting barbiturates used for anesthesia induction
Longer-acting barbiturates are used for management of
epilepsy and have a role in management of sedative
withdrawal
Treatment of anxiety and insomnia has largely been
replaced by benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines —
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Anxiety
Insomnia
Muscle relaxation
Sedation/amnesia before medical or surgical
procedures
THERAPEUTIC USES OF SEDATIVE HYPNOTICS
PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF
ABUSE OF SEDATIVE HYPNOTICS
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Epilepsy and seizure states
Treatment of alcohol or sedative withdrawal
Acute agitation.
Intravenously as a component of balanced anesthesia.
Acute mania or agitated psychosis
Control of drug-induced hyper-excitable states (eg,
stimulant or PCP intoxication).
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Drowsiness, lethargy,
Muscular coordination problems, ataxia
behavior disturbances
Hyperactivity, irritability, difficulty in concentration.
Seizures if drug is discontinued abruptly.
Progressively cause sedation, then hypnosis and then
stupor.
Agitated mood
Clumsiness
Confusion
Dizziness
Excessive daytime drowsiness
Headache
Injection site reactions
Lightheadedness
Low blood pressure;
Nausea
Slow heartbeat
Slowed breathing
Vomiting.
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NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF SEDATIVE
HYPNOTIC ABUSE/WITHDRAWAL
Neurologic:
 Anxiety
 Fever
 Tremor
 Insomnia
 Hallucination
 Rapid Speech
 Ataxia
 Increased deep tendon reflexes
Ocular
 Pupil dilation
Cardiovascular
NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF SEDATIVE HYPNOTIC
ABUSE/WITHDRAWAL
 Tachycardia
 Hypertension
Respiratory
 Tachypnea (rapid breathing)
Gastric Intestinal
 Nausea
 Vomiting
 Diarrhea
Musculoskeletal
 Myalgia
 Rhabdomyolysis (skeletal muscle tissue breaks down)
 Diaphoresis (excessive sweating )
References
1) The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright
©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin
Company. All rights reserved.
2) http://www.ehow.com/facts_5489895_types-sedative-drugs.html
Author Lawerence Gould , Website eHow Health, retrieved October 19, 2011
3) [[Hobbs, W.R, Rall, T.W., and Verdoorn, T.A., Hypnotics and Sedatives: Ethanol In,
Goodman and Gillman's The Pharmacologial Basis of Therapeutics, (Hardman, J.G,
Limbird, L.E, Molinoff, P.B., Ruddon, R.W, and Gilman, A.G., Eds) The McGraw-Hill
Companies, Inc., 1996, pp. 372-373.
4) www.drugs.com
5) Psychotherapeutic Drugs (See: Drugs in American Society, 5th, 6th, and 7th
editions, Erich Goode, McGraw-Hill, 1999/2005/2008. Chapter 8 and Drugs, Society,
and Human Behavior, Ray and Ksir, Mosby, 1993. Chapters 7and 13)
http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/180/prescrip.html
6) Scientific American :
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=propofol-michael-jackson-doctor
7) American College of Chest Physicians
http://www.chestnet.org/accp/pccsu/management-alcohol-sedative-hypnotic-and-opioidwithdrawal-icu?page=0,3
8) International Hyperhydrosis Society
http://www.sweathelp.org/pdf/Diaphoretic_Diseases.pdf
9) U.S Department of Justice. Drug Enforcement Administration. Office of Diversion
Control
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drugs_concern/benzo_1.htm