Sleeping Pills – Tranquilizers – Barbiturates By: Ngoc Giang Chem. 12B 05/10/05

Outline Definition: Sleeping pills Tranquilizers Barbiturates The differences and similarities Some brand names and their structures Their effects Side effects Conclusion and future directions

What are they??? Sedative Hypnotics (Tranquilizers – Sleeping Pills) Barbiturates “Barb” = “Downers ” Benzodiazepines Secobarbital (Seconal) Pentobarbital (Nembutal) Diazepam (Valium) Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) Clorazepate (Tranxene)

Sleeping pills definition A sedative: Drug that depresses the central nervous system (CNS). Sedatives may be referred to as tranquilizers, depressants, sleeping pills, downers, etc. In the form of a pill or capsule Used to relieve insomnia

Tranquilizers Drugs that promote tranquility by calming, soothing, quieting, or pacifying without depressant effects. Ex: hypothalamus (treatment of tension and mental illness), reserpine (modern Western medicine), etc.

Barbiturates Drugs that are used to treat patients suffering from anxiety or who are having trouble sleeping. Street names: “reds”, “red devils”, “yellow jackets”, “blue heavens”, “Christmas trees” and “rainbows”.

Similarities Tranquilizers and sleeping pills belong to a larger group of substances known as the sedative-hypnotics, which slow down or “sedate” the central nervous system (CNS). Both are known as depressants Both may relieve anxiety and sleeping difficulties.

Cont…. Barbiturates also belong to the CNS depressants. Barbiturates are also used to relieve nervousness or restlessness. Conclusion: Sleeping pills (sometimes referred as tranquilizers) and barbiturates have similar effects.

Differences The main difference lies in their chemical structure. In general, barbiturates are stronger. Sleeping pills reduce the amount of activity in the brain further than tranquilizers (make people fall asleep.) Some sleeping pills are not classified as tranqulizers; they are barbiturates.

Examples Secobrabital (Seconal) Pentobarbital (Nembutal) Diazepam (Valium) Chlrodiazepoxide (Librium) Clorazepate (Tranxene)

Their Effects Sleeping pills and tranquilizers treat the symptoms of stress. The relief is only temporary. Tranquilizers may be used for the stress of everyday life, (but they’re not meant to be used for >7-10 days). Barbiturates should not be used for anxiety or tension caused by the stress of everyday life.

Side Effects Barbiturates –Memory –Judgment –Depression –Anger –Mood swings Sleeping Pills –Drowsiness –Light headache –Confusion –Forgetfulness –Dependence –Muscle weakness Tranquilizers –Drowsiness –Sensitivity to light –Dry mouth –Difficulty urinating –Decreased sexual ability –Shakiness –Blurred Vision –Fast heart beat –Slowed Movement –Irritability

Conclusion Should not use sleeping pills and tranquilizers for a long term. (more than a week.) Should not use barbiturates too frequently since they are strong. Don’t ever take these drugs with alcohol. It might lead to death. Alcohol and heroin are also effect the CNS, however, not the same way as sleeping pills.

Future directions Chemists always try to find better drugs to help people’s problems, but no drugs have no side effects. Therefore, try to find a natural way to improve your health, not the dependence on drugs. The most liable pills on the market today are Zolpidem (Ambien) and Zaleplon (Sonata). Different experts may have different opinions about offering these drugs. The only way is not to use them for long-term.

Zaleplon (Sonata) Zolpidem (Ambien)

Examples Secobarbital (Seconal) Pentobarbital (Nembutal) Diazepam (Valium) Chrodiazepoxide ( Librium ) Clorazepate (Tranxene) Zolpidem (Ambien) Zaleplon (Sonata)

References r_drugs/tranquilizers_abcs.asp turates.asp The dark side of sleeping pills – By Daniel F.Kripke, M.D.