Sedatives

What are sedatives?
Sedatives are drugs which depress the central nervous system. Sedatives are made in capsule or tablet form and are most often taken orally. Some drugs which can be classified as sedatives are; alcohol, narcotics, PCP, barbiturates, nonbarbiturates, and benzodiazapines. Barbiturates or sleeping pills include Nembutal and Seconal. Slang names for these drugs are barbs, downers, and reds. Barbiturates are now very seldom prescribed. Nonbarbiturate sedatives include Doriden, Miltown, and Placikyl. They are prescribed legally to help people sleep. Benzodiazapines include Valium, Librium, and Xanax. They are prescribed to relieve anxiety.

What are the effects of sedatives?
Sedatives produce calmness and relaxed muscles. Drowsiness and impairment of memory may occur. Larger doses cause slurred speech, altered perception, and loss of coordination. Heavy doses can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death.

What immediate risks occur with sedatives?
Overdose can result in coma or death. Risk of death is greatest with barbiturates. Use can also produce a stupor in which the user is inattentive, lacks judgment, and thus risks injury at home or in automobile accidents.

Can sedatives cause dependence?
Yes. All sedatives can cause dependence. How much and how often these drugs are taken affect how quickly tolerance and dependence develop.

Is there treatment for sedative dependence?
Treatment may include medical care during withdrawal, and individual and/or group counseling.

What are the risks or sedative use during pregnancy?
Babies born to mothers who abuse sedatives during pregnancy may be physically dependent on the drugs. They may suffer withdrawal symptoms shortly after they are born. Delivery problems, poor infant health, birth defects, and behavioral problems may also result if the mother uses sedatives.

Legal Information
Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines are classified as controlled substances by Michigan and Federal law. Use, possession, and delivery without appropriate license or prescription are prohibited.
 
Penalties include imprisonment and fines. Certain penalties are mandatory.

Penalties are increased if a person eighteen years or older distributes the drug to a person under eighteen, or distributes the drug near school property.