This is a complex alcohol that causes depression of the central nervous system (CNS). It is a SEDATIVE-HYPNOTIC drug typically used on a short-term basis to treat insomnia and is prescribed and sold under the name Placidyl. Because of its depressant effects on the brain, it can impair the mental and/or physical abilities necessary to operate machinery, such as an automobile.

Continued use of ethchlorvynol can result in TOLERANCE AND PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE leading to abuse. Since the risk of abuse is not very great, it is included in Schedule IV of the CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT. Withdrawal signs, not unlike those seen after ALCOHOL (ethanol) or BARBITURATES, occur upon termination of its use in addicts. Ethchlorvynol should never be combined with other CNS depressants, such as ethanol or barbiturates, because their depressant effects are additive. Because of their greater safety, the widespread use of BENZODIAZEPINES as sedative/hypnotics has largely supplanted the use of ethchlorvynol.

See Also

Withdrawal)

Bibliography

HOBBS, W. R., RALL, T. W., VERDOORN, T. A. (1996). Hypnotics and sedatives: Ethanol, 361-396. In J. G. Hardman, L. E. Limbird, P. B. Molinoff, R. W. Ruddon, A. G. Gilman (Eds.) The pharmacological basis of therapeutics, 9th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill.