Sedative-Hypnotic

Definition

CNS depressant. Sedative dose calms (anxiolysis); hypnotic dose induces sleep; higher doses cause anaesthesia, respiratory depression and death.

Related terms

Barbiturate: Cyclic ureide derivative of barbituric acid. Potentiates GABA-A. Sub-classed by duration of action: long (phenobarbital), intermediate (amobarbital), short (secobarbital, pentobarbital) and ultrashort...
Benzodiazepine: Fused benzene plus seven-member diazepine ring. Allosteric modulator of GABA-A at the alpha-gamma interface. Reversed by flumazenil.
FPN Reagent: Ferric chloride, perchloric acid and nitric acid mixture. Red to orange-red colour with phenothiazines (chlorpromazine and relatives). Screen of choice for major...
Schedule H1: Forty-six substances notified by the 2013 amendment (Drugs and Cosmetics Fourth Amendment Rules, 2013, GSR 588(E) dated 30 August 2013, in force...
Tranquillizer: Older umbrella term. Minor tranquillizers (benzodiazepines) treat anxiety. Major tranquillizers (phenothiazines, butyrophenones) are antipsychotics.
Z-Drug: Non-benzodiazepine hypnotic (zolpidem, zopiclone, eszopiclone) that binds the alpha-1 subunit of GABA-A selectively. Same date-rape and stupefying-robbery potential as the BZDs.
Zwikker / Dille-Koppanyi Reagent: Cobalt salt (nitrate or acetate) plus isopropylamine. Violet to blue-violet colour with barbiturates. Workhorse barbiturate screen since the 1940s.

Tranquillizers, Sedatives and Hypnotics: Forensic AnalysisCNS depressant. Sedative dose calms (anxiolysis); hypnotic dose induces sleep; higher doses cause anaesthesia, respiratory depression and death.