Sedatives are those drugs that have a depressant effect on the various functions of the central nervous system and thus exert a calming effect on the body. Above a certain dosage, the transition to sedation, i.e., anesthesia, is fluid in this regard, so use should always be cautious. Sedatives are to be distinguished from sleeping pills.
Sedatives for anxiety and stress
Sedatives are those medicines that have a calming effect on the body. Valerian is a very well-known herbal sedative. Sedatives can be used for many physical or mental disorders that involve restlessness. Short-term use of tranquilizers can be for occupational stress in order to maintain the ability to perform. In the short term, this can improve the life situation, but in the long term, the stress should be eliminated. Sedatives can also be temporarily helpful in cases of test anxiety or fear of flying. However, under no circumstances should such a sedative be taken for a prolonged period of time. In the case of a major medical procedure, the patient is usually given sedatives to reduce stress levels before the procedure begins. After accidents with subsequent tension and resulting pain conditions, a short-term administration of a sedative can have an antispasmodic and muscle-relaxing effect. In the case of psychological problems, tranquilizers are used in particular for states of tension, anxiety and agitation. However, an improvement in the condition of phobias and psychosomatic disorders can also be achieved by administering a sedative. Since sedatives also have a sleep-promoting effect, they are also frequently used for sleep disorders. However, see the article: Sleeping pills and sleep disorders.
Herbal, natural, and chemical sedatives.
A basic distinction is made between sedatives on a chemical-synthetic basis and those on a plant-natural basis. On the chemical-synthetic basis, benzodiazepines are the most commonly used. However, these are mostly very strong and have more side effects. Other important man-made sedatives include neuroleptics, beta-blockers, and antidepressants. The herbal and natural sedatives are mostly available in tablet or capsule form. However, since the active ingredients are also water-soluble, the dosage form as tea is also very popular. The best-known herbal sedatives are valerian, hops, St. John’s wort and lemon balm. Sedatives are also used in the field of homeopathy. Here drops or globules of Acidum phosphoricum, Arnica or Argentum nitricum are used. In Bach flower therapy, essences of elm, larch, olive or oak are considered as sedatives. However, the transition between herbal and synthetic chemical sedatives is fluid, as the active ingredients are often very similar. Further differentiation of sedatives can be made in the amount of active ingredient, rapidity of action, mode of metabolism, duration of action, and mode of breakdown in the body.
Risks and side effects
However, depending on the active ingredient and strength, sedatives have many different side effects and carry some risk factors. As the body becomes accustomed to the sedatives used over time, dependence can occur. Furthermore, they slow down breathing and lower blood pressure. Sedatives also often cause fatigue and dizziness and can lead to headaches. Another undesirable side effect is that the patient may feel dizzy and suffer from confusion after taking sedatives. Dejection also often occurs in conjunction with the use of sedatives. Because sedatives slow responsiveness, driving vehicles and machinery is not advised. Sexual needs may also decrease with long-term use of sedatives. Due to the risks and side effects, at least long-term use of sedatives of any kind should only take place under medical supervision.
