Sedative is a general term used to describe a number of drugs that decrease activity, moderate excitement, and have a calming effect. The primary use for these drugs is to reduce ANXIETY, but higher doses will usually cause sleep (a drug used primarily to cause sleep is called a hypnotic). Although the term sedative is still used, the drugs usually prescribed to produce this calming effect are BENZODIAZEPINES, which are more commonly known as antianxiety agents, or minor tranquilizers.

See Also

Barbiturates; Drug Types; Sedative-Hypnotic)

Bibliography

HOBBS, W. R., RALL, T. W., & VERDOORN, T. A. (1996) Hypnotics and sedatives. In J. G. Hardman et al. (Eds.), The pharmacological basis of therapeutics, 9th ed. (361-396). New York: McGraw-Hill.