Sedative-hypnotics

Class at a glance

• Reduce arousal and/or induce sleep

Pharmacology

• Includes BZDs, Z-drugs, orexin blockers + others

Clinical role

• CNS/respiratory depression varies by class
• Treat insomnia cause—not just sleep duration

Members / distinctions

• Falls and driving impairment are key hazards
• Tolerance/dependence matter for some agents

Self-check

• What do Sedative-hypnotics primarily reduce?
  arousal and/or induce sleep.
• Which major drug groups are included in Sedative-hypnotics?
  BZDs, Z-drugs, orexin blockers + others.

Drugs in this class (35)

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