A sedative, or tranquilizer, is a substance that induces sedation by reducing irritability or excitement. They are central nervous system depressants and interact with brain activity, causing its dece
A hypnotic, also known as a somnifacient or soporific, and commonly known as sleeping pills, are a class of psychoactive drugs whose primary function is to induce sleep and to treat insomnia. Some hyp
Sedative
…the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Most sedatives produce relaxing effects by increasing GABA activity. This group is related to hypnotics. The term sedative describes drugs that serve to calm or relieve anxiety, whereas the term hypnotic describes drugs whose main purpose is to initiate…
Zolpidem tablets, a common but potent hypnotic used for insomnia.
Le Vieux Séducteur by Charles Motte [fr]. (A corrupt old man tries to seduce a woman by urging her to take a hypnotic draught in her drink)