Sedatives

Quick Facts

What are sedatives?

  • Sedatives are a broad class of prescription medications that slow the brain’s activity (depressants) and have addiction potential, especially if misused. 
  • Common types include:
    • Benzodiazepines such as Alprazolam (Xanax), Flurazepam (Dalmane), Diazepam (Valium), Lorazepam (Ativan), and Triazolam (Halcion)
    • Barbiturates such as Methohexital (Brevital), Pentobarbital (Nembutal), and Phenobarbital (Luminal Sodium, Solfoton, Tedral) 
    • Hypnotics (nonbenzodiazepines) like Eszopiclone (Lunesta), Zaleplon (Sonata), and Zolpidem (Ambien). Some providers sometimes call these “Z-drugs.”
    • Miscellaneous sedatives such as Ramelteon (Rozerem) and Suvorexant (Belsomra)
  • Sedatives have several prescription uses that range from treating anxiety and insomnia, to anesthesia purposes.
  • Sedatives are commonly misused and are sometimes used as 'date rape drugs'.

What are some street names for sedatives?

  • Benzodiazapines: Candy, Downers, Sleeping Pills, Tranks
  • Barbiturates: Barbs, Phennies, Red Birds, Reds, Tooies, Yellow Jackets, Yellows
  • Hypnotics or sleep medications: Forget-me Pill, Mexican Valium, R2, Roche, Roofies, Roofinol, Rope, Rophie

How are sedatives used/abused?

  • Sedatives come in the form of pills, capsules, or liquid, and are then ingested, injected, or snorted. 
  • If injecting, there is a risk of contracting HIV, hepatitis, and other diseases from shared needles. 
  • When combined with alcohol (also a depressant), sedatives can dangerously slow down heart rate and breathing, which can lead to coma or death. 

What are the short-term effects of sedative use?

  • Drowsiness (sleepiness) and sedation 
  • Slurred speech 
  • Poor concentration
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Clammy skin
  • Impaired judgment
  • Impaired coordination and memory
  • Reduced anxiety 
  • Lowered blood pressure
  • Slowed breathing and impacts to the central nervous system 
  • Possible coma and/or death - especially when combined with alcohol

What are the long-term effects of sedative use?

  • Increased risk of respiratory distress
  • Possible coma and/or death - especially when combined with alcohol

Treatment Options 

  • Yamhill County Substance Use Programs offer a wide array of treatment options and programs for adults and youth, please visit our Alcohol and Drug Treatment page, or call 503-434-7523 for more information.

Sources and Other Resources