Final answer:
Sedative-hypnotics, including tranquilizers like benzodiazepines and barbiturates, calm the brain, relieve anxiety, and induce sleep. They can cause side effects such as ataxia, sedation, memory impairment, and in high doses, severe respiratory depression or death. Barbiturates have higher addiction and overdose risks compared to benzodiazepines.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sedative-Hypnotics: Types and Side Effects
Sedative-hypnotics, also known as depressant type of psychoactive drugs, are used to calm the brain, reduce anxious feelings, and induce sleepiness. These include tranquilizers such as benzodiazepines like diazepam and Chlordiazepoxide, which relieve symptoms of anxiety and tension. Additionally, there are barbiturates derived from barbituric acid, such as phenobarbital and pentobarbital, with sedative and hypnotic effects.
Side effects of sedative-hypnotics can include ataxia, anxiolysis, pain relief, sedation or somnolence, and cognitive/memory impairment. In some instances, these drugs may also lead to euphoria, muscle relaxation, lowered blood pressure or heart rate, respiratory depression, and anticonvulsant effects. High doses of sedative-hypnotics can cause motor disturbance, memory loss, decreased respiratory function, and even death. Barbiturates have a higher potential for physical and psychological addiction and the risk of overdose, and hence have been largely replaced by benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines in routine medical practice.