Sedative
Classification
Below are examples of available sedative drugs.
Alcohols
Ethylene glycols
- Chloral hydrate
Anti-adrenergics
Inhibitors of the adrenergic alpha-2 receptor can cause sedation.
- Dexmedetomidine
Anti-histamines
- Diphenhydramine
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonists
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.[1] Drugs that increase the effect of GABA are called GABAergic.
Many sedatives work by bindings to the GABAA receptor in the nervous system.
Barbituates
Barbituates are GABAergic by increasing receptiveness of the GABAA receptors. Barbituates do this by increasing the duration of openings of channels in the cell membrane.[1]
- Phenobarbital
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are also GABAergic by increasing receptiveness of the GABAA receptors. However, benzodiazepines do this by increasing the frequency of openings of channels in the cell membrane.[1]
Benzodiazepines receptors are BZ1 and BZ2.
Non-selective agonists
- Diazepam (Valium)
BZ1 selective agonists
- Zaleplon
- Zolpidem
Serotonin (5-HT) agonists
Agonists of the 5-HT1A receptor can cause sedation.
- Buspirone
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Katzung, Bertram G. (2006). Basic and clinical pharmacology. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical Publishing Division. ISBN 0-07-145153-6.