Hypnotics are a class of drugs that help people with sleep problems or insomnia to get restful sleep. There are five FDA approved types of hypnotic drugs used to treat insomnia and other sleep problems. Selective melatonin agonists, benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepines, an orexin receptor agonist, and antidepressants. There are many brand and generic names for each type of hypnotic. Side ...Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Withdrawal is a withdrawal syndrome that occurs after a marked decrease in or cessation of intake after several weeks or more of regular use of substances such as benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine-like drugs (e.g. - zolpidem, zaleplon), carbamates (e.g. - glutethimide, meprobamate), barbiturates (e.g. - phenobarbital, secobarbital), and/or barbiturate-like ...Similarly, non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics (also known as Z-drugs), approved for short-term treatment of insomnia, were touted as safe alternatives to the popular benzodiazepines when introduced to the market as less prone to abuse or dependence.Sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics (also known as depressants) slow down or “depresses” neurotransmission levels and reduce arousal/stimulation in various areas of the brain. The most common class of medications misused in this disorder are benzodiazepines (“benzos,” “downers,” “tranks,” “nerve pills”).1._____ produce a sense of calm, reduce nervousness, excitability, and irritability without causing sleep unless given in a large enough dose. 2._____ cause sleep with a much more potent CNS effect than 3._____. 4._____ can act as either a sedative or a hypnotic depending on the dose and patient responsiveness. In low doses, they calm the CNS ... Sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics (also known as depressants) slow down or “depresses” neurotransmission levels and reduce arousal/stimulation in various areas of the brain. The most common class of medications misused in this disorder are benzodiazepines (“benzos,” “downers,” “tranks,” “nerve pills”).Sedative and hypnotics are the drugs which can reduce anxiety and produce a calming effect by inducing the onset of sleep as well as maintaining sleeping duration . Nowadays, these drugs are extensively used in treatment of different psychiatric disorders including anxiety and insomnia.Sep 6, 2023 · The sedative-hypnotics belong to a chemically heterogeneous class of drugs, almost all of which produce dose-dependent CNS depressant effects.A major subgroup is the benzodiazepines, but representatives of other subgroups, including barbiturates, and miscellaneous agents (carbamates, alcohols, and cyclic ethers) are still in use. 1. A _____ is a drug that is intended to induce sleep by depressing the central nervous system. Antipsychotic. Pain killer. Anxiolytic. Sedative. Hypnotic. 2. A _____ is a drug that depresses the ... The sedative-hypnotics belong to a chemically heterogeneous class of drugs, almost all of which produce dose-dependent CNS depressant effects.A major subgroup is the benzodiazepines, but representatives of other subgroups, including barbiturates, and miscellaneous agents (carbamates, alcohols, and cyclic ethers) are still in use.These hypnotics should we used with caution in older adults and for no longer than 90 days, even if eszopiclone is approved for prolonged use. Particular caution should be used in patient with dementia, according to a Cochrane systematic review, there is a lack of randomized controlled trials of benoziazepine or non-benzodiazepine hypnotics in ...Benzodiazepine hypnotics are used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Benzodiazepines produce sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, and muscle relaxant effects. Benzodiazepines shorten sleep latency and reduce the number of awakenings and the time spent in stage of wakefulness. All benzodiazepines are controlled substances in schedule IV.Jul 12, 2019 · Generally, sedatives cause physical depression, muscular relaxation and sedation; due to the varying types of sedatives, there is a range of other effects depending on which substance has been taken. Sedatives depress most body functions, so they greatly impact the ability to drive, operate machinery and participate in tasks requiring muscle ... See full list on drugs.com Aug 22, 2023 · Nonbenzodiazepine Sedative Hypnotics and Risk of Fall-Related Injury. Sleep 2016; 39:1009. Thomas SJ, Sakhuja S, Colantonio LD, et al. Insomnia Diagnosis, Prescribed Hypnotic Medication Use, and Risk for Serious Fall Injuries In the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study. Anxiolytics are a class of medications aimed at treating patients with panic disorders, generalized anxiety, and various other uses. Sedatives(hypnotics) are a class of drugs used in different situations ranging from treating insomnia to treating someone connected to a mechanical ventilator. Both of these classes of medications have broad uses in various conditions and are effective when used ...Anecdotally, _____ (or poppers) are used to enhance sexual pleasure. T or F: Paraldehyde is a CNS depressant that is currently available in several over-the-counter medications. T or F: When barbiturates were the most popular sedative-hypnotics, low doses of the long-acting types were used as sleeping pills.Dec 13, 1993 · What are sedative-hypnotics? Sedative-hypnotics are drugs which depress or slow down the body's functions. Often these drugs are referred to as tranquilizers and sleeping pills or sometimes just as sedatives. Their effects range from calming down anxious people to promoting sleep. Both tranquilizers and sleeping pills can have either effect ... Barbiturate Misuse Overview. Barbiturates are a group of drugs in the class of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics, which generally describes their sleep-inducing and anxiety-decreasing effects ... 1._____ produce a sense of calm, reduce nervousness, excitability, and irritability without causing sleep unless given in a large enough dose. 2._____ cause sleep with a much more potent CNS effect than 3._____. 4._____ can act as either a sedative or a hypnotic depending on the dose and patient responsiveness. In low doses, they calm the CNS ... Sedative-hypnotics increase the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical that slows brain activity. This causes the calming effect that make sedative-hypnotics effective for treating anxiety and sleep disorders. For the first days of use, a person taking a sedative-hypnotic drug may feel sleepy and clumsy until their body adapts ...Aug 5, 2016 · Side Effects of Sedatives. The effects of using sedatives can resemble those of alcohol. In addition to their desired calming effects, sedative use can cause: Drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion ... Although sedative-hypnotic drugs undoubtedly seem to pose a hazard in driving safety, increased risk has been tentatively identified in certain users or medication-related behaviors, albeit with much uncertainty. Younger age [22, 28] and new use of benzodiazepines have been reported as additional risk factors in users of these medications.Antianxiety and sedative drugs are used with a variety of different psychiatric disorders, usually in combination with other medications. Different Types of Medications . Antianxiety and sedative medications can be divided into two broad classes of drugs: Antianxiety medications and sedative-hypnotics (the term hypnotic refers to sleep inducing).Jan 13, 2023 · Anxiolytics are a class of medications aimed at treating patients with panic disorders, generalized anxiety, and various other uses. Sedatives(hypnotics) are a class of drugs used in different situations ranging from treating insomnia to treating someone connected to a mechanical ventilator. Both of these classes of medications have broad uses in various conditions and are effective when used ... Hypnotic drugs, therefore, may be contraindicated in patients with or at risk of depression. Hypnotics were found to be more likely to cause depression than to help it. Studies have found that long-term users of sedative hypnotic drugs have a markedly raised suicide risk as well as an overall increased mortality risk.Sedative-, hypnotic-, or anxiolytic- (SHA-) related disorders include SHA intoxication, SHA withdrawal, and SHA-use disorder. These disorders result from abuse of a class of medications known as ...Hypnotic. A drug that induces and/or maintains sleep, similar to normal arousable sleep. This is not to be confused with ‘hypnosis’ meaning a trans-like state in which the subject becomes passive and highly suggestible. The sedatives and hypnotics are more or less general CNS depressants with somewhat differing time action and dose action ...Barbiturates are sedative-hypnotics, a type of central nervous system (CNS) depressant used to treat insomnia, seizures, and headaches. Learn about side effects, dosages, drug interactions, warnings, and more.What are Anxiolytics, sedatives, and hypnotics? Anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are medicines that work on the central nervous system to relieve anxiety , aid sleep, or have a calming effect. The benzodiazepines are the main class of drugs that fit into this category.Non-Benzodiazepine Sedative Hypnotics. The non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics are a newer class of sedative drugs and include zolpidem (e.g., Ambien ®), zaleplon (e.g., Sonata ®), zopiclone (e.g., Imovane ®), and eszopiclone (e.g., Lunesta ®). Often referred to as the ‘Z-drugs,’ these compounds have a different chemical structure to ... 1. A _____ is a drug that is intended to induce sleep by depressing the central nervous system. Antipsychotic. Pain killer. Anxiolytic. Sedative. Hypnotic. 2. A _____ is a drug that depresses the ...1. A _____ is a drug that is intended to induce sleep by depressing the central nervous system. Antipsychotic. Pain killer. Anxiolytic. Sedative. Hypnotic. 2. A _____ is a drug that depresses the ...Antidepressants. Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant and is believed to exert sleep maintenance effects due to a strong binding affinity for histamine H1 receptors, which allows the use of the drug as a sedative at doses lower than those required for major depressive disorder. [39684] Nonbenzodiazepine Benzodiazepine-Receptor Agonists. Barbiturate Misuse Overview. Barbiturates are a group of drugs in the class of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics, which generally describes their sleep-inducing and anxiety-decreasing effects ...sedative-hypnotic: (sĕd′ə-tĭv-hĭp-nŏt′ĭk) n. A drug, such as a barbiturate or antianxiety agent, that depresses the activity of the central nervous system and is used to relieve anxiety and induce sleep.Sedative-hypnotic drug products are a class of drugs used to induce and/or maintain sleep. FDA Drug Safety Communications: FDA adds Boxed Warning for risk of serious injuries caused by...Mar 6, 2018 · Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants are medicines that include sedatives, tranquilizers, and hypnotics. These drugs can slow brain activity, making them useful for treating anxiety, panic, acute stress reactions, and sleep disorders. CNS depressants cause drowsiness; sedatives are often prescribed to treat sleep disorders like insomnia and ... Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Withdrawal is a withdrawal syndrome that occurs after a marked decrease in or cessation of intake after several weeks or more of regular use of substances such as benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine-like drugs (e.g. - zolpidem, zaleplon), carbamates (e.g. - glutethimide, meprobamate), barbiturates (e.g. - phenobarbital, secobarbital), and/or barbiturate-like ...Non-Benzodiazepine Sedative Hypnotics. The non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics are a newer class of sedative drugs and include zolpidem (e.g., Ambien ®), zaleplon (e.g., Sonata ®), zopiclone (e.g., Imovane ®), and eszopiclone (e.g., Lunesta ®). Often referred to as the ‘Z-drugs,’ these compounds have a different chemical structure to ... These hypnotics should we used with caution in older adults and for no longer than 90 days, even if eszopiclone is approved for prolonged use. Particular caution should be used in patient with dementia, according to a Cochrane systematic review, there is a lack of randomized controlled trials of benoziazepine or non-benzodiazepine hypnotics in ...Anxiolytics are a class of medications aimed at treating patients with panic disorders, generalized anxiety, and various other uses. Sedatives(hypnotics) are a class of drugs used in different situations ranging from treating insomnia to treating someone connected to a mechanical ventilator. Both of these classes of medications have broad uses in various conditions and are effective when used ...A sedative is a drug which reduces activity and alertness by producing a calming effect on the subject. A hypnotic is a drug which induces drowsiness and promotes sleep onset and maintenance. The subject can be easily aroused from the state of sleep induced by a hypnotic. Both sedatives and hypnotics are CNS depressants.How do Sedative Hypnotics Work? Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines bind to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptors. Gamma-aminobutyric acid is a neurotransmitter that slows the activity of nerves. Benzodiazepines reduce brain activity and cause sleep by increasing the effect of GABA. Feb 18, 2021 · Sedative-Hypnotic drugs cause central nervous system depression and commonly result in somnolence, confusion, ataxia, slurred speech, and when taken in large quantities or mix with other drugs or ... Jul 29, 2022 · Barbiturates are sedative-hypnotics, a type of central nervous system (CNS) depressant used to treat insomnia, seizures, and headaches. Learn about side effects, dosages, drug interactions, warnings, and more. Jul 25, 2023 · Sedative-hypnotics are a class of drugs that depress. CNS. function, inducing sedation, sleep, and unconsciousness with increasing dose. Agents in this drug class include. benzodiazepines. , nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics ( Z-drugs ), barbiturates. , and melatonin agonists. Most sedative-hypnotic drugs affect. Zolpidem is used to treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). Zolpidem belongs to a class of medications called sedative-hypnotics. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow sleep. Jul 18, 2023 · Benzodiazepine sedative hypnotic sleeping pills. Benzodiazepines are the oldest class of sleep medications still commonly in use. Benzodiazepines as a group are thought to have a higher risk of dependence than other insomnia sedative hypnotics and are classified as controlled substances. Hypnotic drugs, therefore, may be contraindicated in patients with or at risk of depression. Hypnotics were found to be more likely to cause depression than to help it. Studies have found that long-term users of sedative hypnotic drugs have a markedly raised suicide risk as well as an overall increased mortality risk. A sedative or tranquilliser [note 1] is a substance that induces sedation by reducing irritability [1] or excitement. [2] They are CNS depressants and interact with brain activity causing its deceleration. Various kinds of sedatives can be distinguished, but the majority of them affect the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).Because prior studies that have examined cotherapy of sedative-hypnotics with SSRIs have excluded people at significant risk of suicide (9, 12), there is insufficient evidence to determine whether sedative-hypnotics alter the risk of suicide. This is an important area of investigation because clinicians are often unwilling to prescribe sedative ...Benzodiazepine sedative hypnotic sleeping pills. Benzodiazepines are the oldest class of sleep medications still commonly in use. Benzodiazepines as a group are thought to have a higher risk of dependence than other insomnia sedative hypnotics and are classified as controlled substances.Anxiolytic and Hypnotic Drugs. Anxiolytic-hypnotics agents are used to alter an individual’s responses to environmental stimuli. These agents are referred to as anxiolytics (prevent feelings of tension or fear ), sedatives (help patient feel calm and unaware of their environment), and hypnotics (help patients sleep ).Jul 18, 2023 · Benzodiazepine sedative hypnotic sleeping pills. Benzodiazepines are the oldest class of sleep medications still commonly in use. Benzodiazepines as a group are thought to have a higher risk of dependence than other insomnia sedative hypnotics and are classified as controlled substances. May 11, 2009 · Selective histamine H1 antagonists are under development. 23 Sedative antidepressants such as trazodone, low-dose doxepin, and mirtazapine are also widely used as hypnotics, particularly in patients with insomnia and comorbid depression. 24 This use is unsupported by convincing controlled data. 25 Any antiarousal sleep-promoting effects are ... The sedative hypnotic drug is the chemical substance used for reducing tension, anxiety and to induce calm or to induce sleep. Usually, such drugs at low dosage induce the calming effect, while consuming in large dosage it induces a sleeping effect.A 2018 overview of sedatives and hypnotics states that this type of medication can be effective for short-term use, but it may make insomnia worse if used over a long period of time.Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like The CNS depressants include various prescription drugs referred to as A. GHBs. B. sedative-hypnotics. C. entheogens. D. catecholamines., Which of these is NOT one of the early sedative-hypnotics used in medicine? A. chloral hydrate B. paraldehyde C. butyrate D. bromide salts, What has kept paraldehyde from being widely used? A ...Nov 11, 2005 · Treatment with sedative hypnotics improves the quality of sleep, evaluated subjectively. The effect size (0.14) is small according to the classification by Cohen (in which a small effect size is about 0.2). 42 Sleep quality is a measure of efficacy for sleep medications and also a measure of patient satisfaction. Jul 25, 2023 · Sedative-hypnotics are a class of drugs that depress. CNS. function, inducing sedation, sleep, and unconsciousness with increasing dose. Agents in this drug class include. benzodiazepines. , nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics ( Z-drugs ), barbiturates. , and melatonin agonists. Most sedative-hypnotic drugs affect. May 11, 2009 · Selective histamine H1 antagonists are under development. 23 Sedative antidepressants such as trazodone, low-dose doxepin, and mirtazapine are also widely used as hypnotics, particularly in patients with insomnia and comorbid depression. 24 This use is unsupported by convincing controlled data. 25 Any antiarousal sleep-promoting effects are ... Sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics use disorder is the chronic (> 12 months), problematic pattern of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use causing significant distress. These types of drugs subdue excitement, promote calm, or induce/maintain sleep Sleep A readily reversible suspension of sensorimotor interaction with the environment, usually ...Sleeping pills are a type of sedative hypnotic. They’re extremely potent and act as short-term relief for insomnia. Most often, sleeping pills come from the drugs classified as benzodiazepines or the non-benzodiazepine Z-drugs. Examples of sedative hypnotics that are prescribed as sleeping pills include: Ambien (zolpidem) Butisol (butabarbital) 1. A _____ is a drug that is intended to induce sleep by depressing the central nervous system. Antipsychotic. Pain killer. Anxiolytic. Sedative. Hypnotic. 2. A _____ is a drug that depresses the ... Drug class: miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics. For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects. For professionals: Prescribing Information. Expand current row for information about Desyrel Dividose Desyrel Dividose: 9.0Treatment with sedative hypnotics improves the quality of sleep, evaluated subjectively. The effect size (0.14) is small according to the classification by Cohen (in which a small effect size is about 0.2). 42 Sleep quality is a measure of efficacy for sleep medications and also a measure of patient satisfaction.Aug 22, 2023 · Nonbenzodiazepine Sedative Hypnotics and Risk of Fall-Related Injury. Sleep 2016; 39:1009. Thomas SJ, Sakhuja S, Colantonio LD, et al. Insomnia Diagnosis, Prescribed Hypnotic Medication Use, and Risk for Serious Fall Injuries In the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study. If sedative/hypnotics have been administered for a long period of time then they should be discontinued slowly. Many of the older agents are seldom used nowadays because of their high risk of toxicity. Examples of severe side effects associated with some miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives, and hypnotics include:Sleeping pills are a type of sedative hypnotic. They’re extremely potent and act as short-term relief for insomnia. Most often, sleeping pills come from the drugs classified as benzodiazepines or the non-benzodiazepine Z-drugs. Examples of sedative hypnotics that are prescribed as sleeping pills include: Ambien (zolpidem) Butisol (butabarbital)Mechanism of Action. Benzodiazepines, like alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin) and clonazepam) act on the central nervous system (CNS) and brain. They are known pharmacologically as GABAergic agents, sedative-hypnotics, or minor tranquilizers. Benzodiazepines work by enhancing a very important neurotransmitter called ...A 2018 overview of sedatives and hypnotics states that this type of medication can be effective for short-term use, but it may make insomnia worse if used over a long period of time.Sedatives and hypnotics are considered sisters because they both induce drowsiness in patients. Hypnotics induce sleep that is electroencephalographically similar to natural sleep, whereas sedatives induce calmness in the recipient and moderate excitement to the point where the patient cannot be easily aroused.Mar 12, 2015 · Sedative and hypnotics are the drugs which can reduce anxiety and produce a calming effect by inducing the onset of sleep as well as maintaining sleeping duration . Nowadays, these drugs are extensively used in treatment of different psychiatric disorders including anxiety and insomnia. Barbiturates are medications that cause you to relax or feel drowsy. They can also stop or prevent convulsions and seizures. The most common uses are for anesthesia reasons, treating epilepsy and nonepileptic seizures, insomnia and other conditions. Barbiturates belong to the sedative-hypnotic class of medications.sedative: [adjective] tending to calm, moderate, or tranquilize nervousness or excitement.The increased prescribing of Z-hypnotics is of concern, especially among older adults, given the association of prolonged Z-hypnotic use with increased risk of falls or fractures and ED visits. 31,32 In their analysis of ED visits for adverse drug events, Hampton et al 32 found that zolpidem tartrate, the most commonly used Z-hypnotic ...Although sedative-hypnotic drugs undoubtedly seem to pose a hazard in driving safety, increased risk has been tentatively identified in certain users or medication-related behaviors, albeit with much uncertainty. Younger age [22, 28] and new use of benzodiazepines have been reported as additional risk factors in users of these medications.Selective histamine H1 antagonists are under development. 23 Sedative antidepressants such as trazodone, low-dose doxepin, and mirtazapine are also widely used as hypnotics, particularly in patients with insomnia and comorbid depression. 24 This use is unsupported by convincing controlled data. 25 Any antiarousal sleep-promoting effects are ...Sedative and hypnotics are the drugs which can reduce anxiety and produce a calming effect by inducing the onset of sleep as well as maintaining sleeping duration . Nowadays, these drugs are extensively used in treatment of different psychiatric disorders including anxiety and insomnia.Anxiolytics are a class of medications aimed at treating patients with panic disorders, generalized anxiety, and various other uses. Sedatives(hypnotics) are a class of drugs used in different situations ranging from treating insomnia to treating someone connected to a mechanical ventilator. Both of these classes of medications have broad uses in various conditions and are effective when used ...
Apr 13, 2021 · Abstract. Hypnotics are drugs that are intended to promote or improve sleep. Despite this clear definition, it is often not possible to exactly assign drugs to this group because the distinctions between sedatives, tranquilizers, and hypnotics are diffuse. None of the substances comes close to the “ideal” hypnotic, which exists only in theory. . Atandt phone outage today 2022
Hypnotics. Although various drugs that fall under the umbrella of “sedatives” will differ greatly, many share the ability to create a sense of calm and drowsiness. 1 This is why sedatives, depending on the specific medication being used, are often prescribed for anxiety, panic, and sleep disorders. 1. Prescription Sedative DrugsQuetiapine is the most commonly used antipsychotic for sleep disorders. Interestingly, trazodone is one of the most widely used sedative agents, yet has the least amount of evidence. 27 For mirtazapine to be used as a sedative-hypnotic, it must be dosed at 7.5 mg to 15 mg at bedtime, which affords the most affinity for anticholinergic effects. 28Feb 18, 2019 · Benzodiazepine hypnotics are used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Benzodiazepines produce sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, and muscle relaxant effects. Benzodiazepines shorten sleep latency and reduce the number of awakenings and the time spent in stage of wakefulness. All benzodiazepines are controlled substances in schedule IV. Sedatives are drugs that can be used to calm down, treat sleep disorders, and as a general anesthetic in high doses. ... Antidepressants, anxiolytics, and hypnotics in pregnancy and lactation. DOI ...Sedatives and hypnotics are considered sisters because they both induce drowsiness in patients. Hypnotics induce sleep that is electroencephalographically similar to natural sleep, whereas sedatives induce calmness in the recipient and moderate excitement to the point where the patient cannot be easily aroused.Sedative-hypnotics are among the most commonly prescribed psychoactive drugs by primary care physicians. Approximately 4.6% of all Americans have used legally prescribed anxiolytics, sedatives, or hypnotics in the past 30 days. [ 10 ]Benzodiazepines are frequently mixed with alcohol or used in the commission of a rape because of the possibility of memory loss and their sedative properties. Carisoprodol (Soma®) - Skeletal muscle relaxant with sedative-hypnotic effects. Also, marketed in combination with aspirin and codeine. Commonly abused in conjunction with opioids ...Sedative, hypnotic and/or anxiolytic withdrawal; Sedative, hypnotic and/or anxiolytic withdrawal delirium; Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic withdrawal; Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic withdrawal; ICD-10-CM F13.239 is grouped within Diagnostic Related Group(s) (MS-DRG v 40.0): 791 Prematurity with major problems; 793 Full term neonate with ... Anecdotally, _____ (or poppers) are used to enhance sexual pleasure. T or F: Paraldehyde is a CNS depressant that is currently available in several over-the-counter medications. T or F: When barbiturates were the most popular sedative-hypnotics, low doses of the long-acting types were used as sleeping pills.Antianxiety and sedative drugs are used with a variety of different psychiatric disorders, usually in combination with other medications. Different Types of Medications . Antianxiety and sedative medications can be divided into two broad classes of drugs: Antianxiety medications and sedative-hypnotics (the term hypnotic refers to sleep inducing).Hypnotic (from Greek Hypnos, sleep [1] ), or soporific drugs, commonly known as sleeping pills, are a class of (and umbrella term for) psychoactive drugs whose primary function is to induce sleep [2] (or surgical anesthesia [note 1]) and to treat insomnia (sleeplessness). This group of drugs is related to sedatives..