What is a sedative
A sedative is a substance that depresses the central nervous system, resulting in calmness, relaxation, reduction of anxiety, sleepiness, and slowed breathing, aswell as slurred speech, staggering gait, poor judgment, and slow, uncertain reflexes. Sedatives may be referred to as tranquilizers, depressants,sleeping pills, downers, or sedative-hypnotics. Sedatives can be abused to produce an overly-calming effect (alcohol being the classic and most common sedating drug). At high doses or when they are abused, many of these drugs can cause unconsciousness and even death. Types of Sedatives: • Antidepressants • Barbitruites • Benzodiazopines (minor tranquilizers) • Typical antipsychotics (major tranquilizers) • Atypical antipsychotics • Sedating antihistamines • Herbal sedatives • Solvent Sedatives Sedative Dependence: All sedatives can cause physiological and psychological dependence when taken regularly over a period of time, even at therapeutic doses. Dependent users may get symptoms ra
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