Talk:Sedative
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Definition
We need one in the introduction.
We have one on the Definition sub-page, "An agent that decreases functional activity, diminishes irritability, and allays excitement." Reading that, though, it appears to me opiates or valium would be included, and I am not certain that was intended. Sandy Harris 13:52, 19 June 2010 (UTC)
- Hmm...I tend to think of both sedative and hypnotic as somewhat anachronistic terms. Valium (diazepam), a member of the benzodiazepine group reasonably meets the sedative definition, but the lay term tranquilizer and the technical terms of anti-anxiety agent are more precise. Benzodiazepines also contain hypnotics such as flurazepam.
- Opioids do have sedating properties but should not be prescribed for that alone. A number of drugs called "muscle relaxants", such as carisoprodol have been suggested really work by sedating the patient -- others, such as cyclobenzaprine, do have some more interesting neurotransmitter effects. Muscle relaxants are quite different from the paralyzing neuromuscular blocking agents. Howard C. Berkowitz 17:45, 19 June 2010 (UTC)