Sedatives and sleeping pills, are drugs that are often used chronically due to their relatively rapid action of reducing the severity of symptoms of anxiety, restlessness or improving sleep. These drugs currently include mainly benzodiazepines and, less frequently, barbiturates.
Symptoms and course discontinuing sedative drugs
Unfortunately, taking them regularly for more than a few weeks leads to the development of a so-called tolerance (=addiction). The body becomes accustomed to their presence in the blood and in order to achieve the same effect (e.g. calming down) it becomes necessary to take increasingly larger doses. This behaviour cannot be prolonged indefinitely.
Sooner or later, the side effects of sedatives will make it necessary to discontinue them.
The following substances from the benzodiazepine group are registered in Poland: Diazepam (known abroad as Valium, domestically as Relanium), Chlorodiazepoxide, Medazepam, Oxazepam, Clorazepan, Lorazepam, Adinazolam, Bromazepam, Klobazam, Ketazolam, Prazepam, Alprazolam, Halazepam, Pinazepam, Kamazepam, Nordazepam, Fludiazepam, Loflazepan, Etyzolam, Klothiazepam, Kloxazolam, Tofizopam, Flurazepam, Nitrazepam, Flunitrazepam, Estazolam, Triazolam, Lormetazepam, Temazepam, Midazolam, Brotizolam, Quazepam, Loprazolam, Doxazepam,
Cinolazepam.
Barbiturates due to higher potential for side effects used less frequently: Pentobarbital, Amobarbital, Butobarbital, Barbital, Aprobarbital, Sekobarbital, Talbutal, Vinylbital, Winbarbital, Cyclobarbital, Heptabarbital, Repozal, Metohexytal, Hexobarbital, Thiopental, Etallobarbital, Allobarbital, Proxybarbal.
When to go to the doctor and discontinuing sedative drugs?
Dose reduction and discontinuation of drugs of this group should be done under medical supervision. Doses should not be reduced abruptly, as this may lead to withdrawal symptoms including delirium and seizures.
