What are sedatives: what are they used for and what effect do sedatives have

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What are sedatives: what are they used for and what effect do sedatives have
What are sedatives: what are they used for and what effect do sedatives have
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What are sedatives: what are they used for, what are they and how do sedatives work

There are two processes going on continuously in the nervous system: excitation and inhibition. Depending on the situation, a person can be in various states, for example: be alert, energetic, calm, restrained, excited, irritated, aggressive, lethargic, passive, drowsy, asthenic, etc. If the balance is disturbed in the direction of increased excitability, then in this case the nervous system needs sedatives. [1] In the article, we will consider what these drugs are and what they are used for.

What are sedatives

Sedatives or sedatives are medicines that have a general sedative effect on the central nervous system.[2] They reduce the reaction to various external stimuli, and also reduce daily activity. A group of sedative drugs either enhances the processes of inhibition or reduces excitability.

History of sedatives

Sedative drugs began to be used in medical practice in the 19th century. The discovery of barbiturates in 1862 was a significant upheaval. [3] Their use expanded dynamically from 1903 to 1960, and over time barbiturates were used less and replaced by safer drugs.

The development of the first tranquilizers dates back to the 50s of the twentieth century - the period of the birth of scientific psychopharmacology. [4] The history of anxiolytics began with the introduction of meprobamate in 1955 and chlordiazepoxide in 1959 into clinical practice. Tranquilizers are mainly used in the treatment of anxiety disorders and sleep disorders.

Alimemazine was discovered by French scientists in 1958. Since then, under various trade names, it has been produced in Canada, USA, Germany, France, Britain. In Russia, alimemazine is marketed under the commercial name Teraligen by the pharmaceutical company Valenta.

Classification of sedatives

Sedative drugs are divided into groups [5]:

  • barbituric acid derivatives in small doses;
  • herbal sedatives;
  • drugs of various pharmacological groups with sedative action.

Depending on the speed of the onset of the effect, sedatives are divided into 2 groups: situational and cumulative action. And also separate strong sedative drugs are isolated, among which there are also tranquilizers (benzodiazepine, non-benzodiazepine, daytime, etc.). They tend to have the most potent sedative effects.

What sedatives are used for

Most often, sedatives are prescribed for increased anxiety and sleep problems, during surgical interventions or painful diagnostic procedures, to reduce anxiety in the patient.[6] They are given in combination with analgesics to make the procedure more tolerable.

Sedative drugs for the nervous system of an adult are appropriate if he is in a state of acute stress. [7] For example, the tension of the nervous system in professional athletes has a negative effect on training. They may be prescribed sedatives to relieve tension and anxiety.

Sedative drugs are also useful for children during their growing up period to alleviate stress and go through this stage more smoothly. [8] In some cases, sedatives for the nervous system are prescribed for the elderly. After all, they worry even more often than middle-aged people.

What are sedatives used for?
What are sedatives used for?

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Which sedative drugs are sold without a prescription

Some sedatives are available over-the-counter at pharmacies to help ease your mental and emotional state. Some of the most common:

  • Persen. This herbal medicine contains valerian, lemon balm and peppermint. Used for moderate-temporal conditions caused by stress (irritability, nervous strain, difficulty falling asleep).
  • Novo-passit. It contains herbal extracts: St. John's wort, valerian, hawthorn. The drug is prescribed for a mild form of insomnia, depression, to relieve stress.
  • Tenoten. Has a nootropic, calming, anti-anxiety effect during psycho-emotional stress. Normalizes the processes of learning and memory, relieves manifestations of vegetovascular dystonia, stabilizes the psycho-emotional background.

    The drug has a homeopathic affiliation, which still has controversial efficacy. The drug belongs to the release-active group, which is one of the versions of homeopathy. In fact, the concept is intended to disguise the scientifically proven ineffectiveness of homeopathy with the help of pseudoscientific technical terms. [9]

  • Afobazol. This is an anxiolytic agent with broad-spectrum active ingredient fabomotizol. It is prescribed to combat stress, anxiety, irritability, depressed mood, cognitive disorders and to relieve panic attacks.

OTC sedatives can be used for mild forms of insomnia, stress. But remember that all drugs have side effects and contraindications. It is important to consult a doctor in order to identify the real causes of anxiety and choose the drug, taking into account the individual characteristics of the body.

Which sedatives are available by prescription

There are many prescription sedatives that cannot be purchased without a doctor's prescription. Some of them:

  • Atarax. A commonly prescribed anti-anxiety drug in pediatric and adult practice. But it is very important to remember that it is not suitable for all patients, because the manufacturer in his instructions indicates the following point: “the drug should be prescribed with caution if there is a predisposition to the development of arrhythmia; with the simultaneous use of drugs with arrhythmogenic effects. [10]
  • Grandaxin. A well-known anti-anxiety drug that helps mainly with mild anxiety. The manufacturer warns in the instructions for medical use about the possible development of paradoxical reactions:

on the part of the nervous system: possible headache, insomnia, irritability, psychomotor agitation, confusion, seizures in patients with epilepsy. [11]

These are strong drugs that have severe side effects. You can take such drugs only after consulting with a specialist and according to his appointment.

Teraligen appointment

This medicine contains the active ingredient alimemazine, which is [12]:

  • relieves anxiety (blockade of adrenoreceptors);
  • has a hypnotic effect;
  • relieves spasms;
  • suppresses cough;
  • suppresses the gag reflex;
  • soothes, improves sleep quality.

Due to these actions, it is widely used in psychoneurology, surgery, gastroenterology, therapy, cardiology, anesthesiology and dermatology.

Sedative

Theralijen works well as a sedative for [13]:

  • anxiety-depressive, behavioral disorders;
  • manifestation of stress, emotional stress;
  • asthenic, obsessive or hysterical manifestations;
  • anxiety, panic attacks, various types of phobias;
  • vegetative disorders;
  • sleep problems.

Treatment of diseases

Teraligen has a lot of experience in practical applications. The drug has proven effective in treating [14]:

  • autonomic disorders (excessive sweating, palpitations, increased emotional status and increased anxiety background);
  • Correction of sleep disorders;
  • various types and forms of allergies and pruritus (on the skin, in the respiratory tract);
  • functional disorders of the digestive tract;
  • cardiovascular pathology (jumps in blood pressure, tachycardia, arrhythmia);
  • dry, obsessive, unproductive cough (antitussive action);
  • psychotic vomiting (affects the vomiting center of the brain);
  • tremor, muscle spasm.

Instructions for use

Teralijen, unlike the herbal sedatives that are effective for the mildest forms of anxiety, is a prescription drug and must be prescribed by a doctor. Before using it, you should carefully study the instructions.

Instructions for use
Instructions for use

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Issue form

Now the sedative drug Teraligen is available in the following forms:

  • classic 5mg tablets;
  • 20 mg extended release tablets;
  • injection solution 5 mg/1 ml.

Method of administration and dosage

The intake of sedatives and dosage in each clinical case is prescribed individually, depending on the goals of therapy. Such issues must be decided by the attending physician, based on the assessment of each contractual case.

Pills

Teraligen in the form of regular or prolonged tablets is taken orally, without chewing. The effect of the drug depends on the dose. For children, the dosage is selected according to age.

Therapy starts with a minimum dosage of 2.5-5mg taken in the evening. Use a gradual dose escalation technique to avoid excessive sedation. The daily dose can be divided into 3-4 doses. As a rule, for a pronounced anti-anxiety effect, a daily dosage of 15 mg is used. The duration of treatment is about 2-6 months or more - this is monitored by the attending physician. The highest daily dose for adults is 500 mg. At the same time, according to the instructions, there are no restrictions on the duration of admission.

Another form of Teraligen retard is given at the required dose, usually once a day. This is a convenient approach for patients when they have already reached the daily dose recommended by the doctor and replace 3-4 tablets with one per day, but at the required dosage. The drug is recommended to be taken at the same time. This form of release is not used in pediatrics (allowed from 18 years old).

Use with antidepressants

Teralijen is one of the best anxiolytics. [15] In clinical practice, it has been proven that the combination of antidepressants with Teraligen significantly increases the therapeutic effect in various neurotic and psychiatric disorders

antidepressant and allows you to reduce or defeat anxiety, insomnia, autonomic disorders before its effect has begun.

Antidepressive and anxiolytic activity of alimemazine allows it to be widely used in the complex therapy of depressive and anxiety disorders. [16]

Side effects

Teraligen is well tolerated, side effects are extremely rare and mild. However, in rare cases, like any other drug, it can cause in the first days of taking:

  • lethargy, drowsiness, irritability;
  • noise or ringing in the ears, decreased visual acuity;
  • violation of spatial orientation;
  • hypotension (pressure below average or normal), palpitations.

There are a number of side effects on the part of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory, genitourinary and other body systems. See instructions for more details.

Safety for children

Teralijen retard and injectable drug are not used in pediatrics under 18 years of age. And tablets in a dosage of 5 mg are allowed for use from 7 years. Children from 3 years of age may be prescribed the drug as an antiallergic or sedative (before surgery). Tolerability of the drug is good. [17]

The drug is characterized by a wide therapeutic range and a favorable safety and tolerability profile, which is the reason for its active use in pediatric and geriatric practice, in outpatient treatment, as well as in general medicine in somatically burdened patients. [18]

Conclusion

The use of sedatives must be agreed with a specialist who will select the right drug and treatment regimen for you (personally effective and safe dose, duration of therapy).

Proper sedative treatment regimen normalizes the functioning of the nervous system, the person improves the quality of life and does not develop side effects or dependence on sedatives.

Sources of information:

  1. Excitation and inhibition: Yin and Yang of the brain
  2. What are sedatives?
  3. Barbiturates
  4. Solovyeva I. K. Anxiolytics: yesterday, today, tomorrow // Russian Medical Journal. - 2006. - No. 5. - S. 385
  5. Clinical pharmacology: a textbook for universities / Ed. V. G. Kukes. - 4th edition, revised. and additional, - 2009.
  6. Sedation and sleep disturbances in the intensive care unit
  7. https://www.he althline.com/he alth/stress/effects-on-body
  8. Sedatives
  9. Release activity
  10. Atarax® (Atarax®) instructions for use
  11. Grandaxin® (Grandaxin®)
  12. EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY OF TERALIGEN IN DAILY PRACTICE
  13. Theralijen® - Balanced Treatment for Autonomic Disorders
  14. Theralijen® (alimemazine)
  15. EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY OF TERALIGEN IN DAILY PRACTICE
  16. Psychiatry and psychopharmacotherapy them. P. B. Gannushkina
  17. Use of the neuroleptic alimemazine (Teralidzhen) in the treatment of mental disorders: information and methodological materials edited by A. S. Avedisova / Comp. D. L. Shapovalov. - Voronezh. - 2011. - P.18
  18. Etingof A. M. Efficacy and safety of Teraligen in daily practice. Pharmateka. 2014; 19 (292): 8–13. / Etingof A. M. Effektivnost' i bezopasnost' Teralidzhena v povsednevnoi praktike. Farmateka. 2014; 19 (292): 8–13. [in English]

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