Sleeping pills have a sedative effect. Sedatives for adults. Sedatives – List of drugs and medications

Sedatives are drugs that can reduce increased irritability and have a pronounced general calming effect.

Classification

Bromides: sodium bromide, potassium bromide.

- Herbal preparations: from rhizomes with valerian roots(infusions, tinctures, extracts), from motherwort herbs(infusions, tinctures) and other plants (passiflora, peony).

Combined drugs: corvalol (valocordin), valocormid, novo-passit.

Bromides

The calming effect of bromides is associated with the bromine anion. It penetrates the central nervous system and impedes the transmission of impulses at synapses. At the physiological level, it has been established that bromides enhance inhibition processes in the cerebral cortex. This is manifested by: sedative effect; inhibition of motor areas of the cerebral cortex, accompanied by an anticonvulsant effect; enhancing the effect of other drugs that depress the functions of the central nervous system (anesthetics, analgesics, hypnotics). The therapeutic dose of bromides is individual and ranges from several milligrams to several grams - this depends on the type of nervous activity, which is taken into account in practice. Bromides are prescribed orally after meals or with milk due to their irritant effect. Their repeated administrations lead to a proportional increase in their concentration, both in the blood and in the intercellular fluid. Moderate doses of caffeine lead to an increase in bromine content, and chloral hydrate leads to a decrease in bromine content in various parts of the brain. These data are important for justifying the combination of bromine with psychostimulants. Bromides are excreted from the body mainly through urine, as well as from the secretions of the mucous membranes. In this case, the irritating effect of bromine on secretory cells (bronchi, stomach, intestines, lacrimal glands, etc.) is accompanied by a characteristic symptom complex - bromism).Side effects usually occur with prolonged use of bromides. Observed: drowsiness, weakening of memory, visual hallucinations, sometimes delirium, tremors (hands, eyelids, tongue), general weakness, skin reactions, inflammation of the mucous membranes, cough, runny nose, bronchitis, conjunctivitis, diarrhea. Apply bromides for neuroses, increased irritability, insomnia, the initial stages of hypertension (rarely used due to accumulation and bromism). If symptoms of bromism occur, stop taking bromides, prescribe copious amounts of saline solutions (5 - 10% sodium chloride solution), and diuretics.

Herbal preparations

Rhizome with valerian roots - used in the form of infusion, tincture, extract.

Valerian preparations contain borneol, borneol ester of isovaleric acid, valeric acid, etc. They have a sedative (calming) and antispasmodic effect, enhancing the effect of hypnotics. M mechanism of action: reflex inhibition of various brain structures due to the influence of the smell and taste of valerian on the endings of sensory nerves in the nasal cavity and mouth; direct (resorptive) inhibitory effect on the central nervous system, leading to inhibition of excitation processes. Used for neuroses of the cardiovascular system, insomnia, gastrointestinal spasms.

Motherwort grass - used in tincture form. Contains essential oils and low-toxic alkaloids. It has a sedative, antispasmodic and moderate hypnosedative effect. Prescribed for cardiovascular neuroses, early stages of arterial hypertension, insomnia.

Combination drugs

Corvalol - combination drug. Contains isovaleric acid ethyl ester, phenobarbital, peppermint oil, ethyl alcohol and water. Corvalol is similar in composition and action to the drug valocordin. Has a sedative, vasodilator, antispasmodic effect. Used for neuroses with increased irritability, mildly expressed spasms of the coronary vessels, tachycardia, early stages of arterial hypertension, insomnia and intestinal spasms.

Novo-passit– a combined product containing extracts of valerian, hops, hawthorn, St. John's wort, lemon balm, passionflower, and elderberry. Has a sedative and antispasmodic effect. Used for neurasthenia, insomnia, neurocirculatory dystonia, menopausal syndrome.

Sedatives

In the modern rhythm of life, every person is faced with stressful and traumatic situations and is unable to cope with them on their own. The proper functioning of the nervous system is of great importance for all systems and organs of our body. Today it is not customary to throw out your emotions into the world around you, but rather, on the contrary, you have to suppress everything within yourself.
When natural reactions are forced to be suppressed, internal organs are damaged, so modern man cannot do without sedatives - sedatives. How can you avoid being deceived in your choice and find one for yourself? best sedative?

Sedative(sedativa; Late Lat. sedativus sedative) is a drug that reduces emotional stress and has a calming effect on the central nervous system without disrupting its function. Sedatives are of plant and synthetic origin.

Thanks to sedatives, excitability is reduced, the functioning of the central nervous system is normalized, and the processes of excitation and inhibition are balanced.

Sedative herbal medicines

Sedative herbal medicines have a number of advantages over synthetic drugs:

• well tolerated;
• no serious side effects;
• do not cause drug dependence;
• do not have a hypnotic effect, but due to their calming effect on central nervous system cope with sleep disorders.

Sedative herbs in a unique combination with vitamin C provide a calming effect, increase the body's resistance to stress, support the immune system and prevent

Sedatives have been used for a long time to treat diseases of the nervous system. The mechanism of their action is a regulatory effect on the brain - inhibition of excitation processes and activation of inhibition. These drugs have moderate sedative and anti-anxiety effects. This group of drugs does not have a hypnotic effect, but they facilitate the onset and promote deeper and more restful sleep. Well tolerated by patients without any serious side effects. Do not cause addiction, physical or psychological dependence. They enhance the effect of certain groups of drugs, such as painkillers, sleeping pills and others that have a calming effect on the nervous system.

Due to the beneficial effects of sedatives and the minimum of adverse reactions to them, these drugs are widely used in everyday medical practice, especially in the treatment of elderly people.

According to the classification, there are several groups of sedatives, the leading of which are herbal medicines. We'll talk about them below.

Valerian preparations

The roots and rhizomes of valerian contain many active substances that have medicinal properties such as reducing the excitability of the central nervous system and reducing spasm of smooth muscles (antispasmodic effect).

Indications for taking valerian preparations are insomnia, increased nervous excitability, and neurocirculatory dystonia.
Available in various dosage forms:

• tincture with 70% alcohol - recommended doses for adults are 20-30 drops 3-4 times a day;
• thick valerian extract in the form of tablets or capsules - 0.02–0.04 g (1–2 tablets) 3–4 times a day;
• capsules containing a hydrophilic complex of valerian (Valevigran), take 1-2 capsules 2-3 times a day 30 minutes before meals;
• dry raw materials in filter bags and in a common pack - used for brewing tea and preparing a decoction (2 teaspoons of crushed dry raw materials are poured into 200 ml of cold water and boiled for 5 minutes, then filtered), recommended doses - 15–30 ml (1 –2 tablespoons) 3-4 times a day.

A contraindication to taking valerian preparations is only the patient’s individual hypersensitivity to them.
It is generally well tolerated by patients. In some, extremely rare cases, drowsiness, increased fatigue, etc. are observed.

Paeonia officinalis preparations

Indications for taking peony medications are neurasthenia, sleep disorders, and neurocirculatory dystonia.
Available in tincture form in 100 ml bottles. It is recommended to take 30–40 drops of tincture 3 times a day. The course of treatment is long – 3–4 weeks.

Contraindicated in case of individual hypersensitivity.
The only side effects that should be noted are the occurrence of allergic reactions in case of hypersensitivity to this drug.

Motherwort preparations

The herb of this medicinal plant includes substances that, in addition to a moderate sedative, also provide.

They are used for neuroses, increased nervous excitability, neurocirculatory dystonia, as well as in the early stages of hypertension.
They are produced in the form of an infusion in bottles of 25 and 50 ml, as well as in the form of dry raw materials in a total pack weighing 50 and 100 g.

It is recommended to take the tincture 3-4 times a day, 30-50 drops before meals. An infusion is prepared from dry raw materials: 15 g of crushed herbs are poured with 150–200 ml of water at room temperature and placed in a water bath. Heat over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain and squeeze. Take 15 ml (1 tablespoon) 3-4 times a day before meals.

Motherwort preparations are contraindicated if the patient's body is hypersensitive to them.
Possible side effects are drowsiness, increased fatigue, dizziness. However, they are extremely rare.

Passionflower extract (passion flower) – Alora preparation

The components of the drug reduce the excitability of the central nervous system, producing a sedative effect. While taking the drug, patients' mood improves, manifestations of anxiety and mental stress decrease, and sleep quality improves. In addition, Alora also has an anticonvulsant effect.

Indications for taking this drug are:

• neurasthenia and depression;
• anxiety states;
• psycho-emotional stress;
• increased irritability;
• sleep disorders;
• post-infectious asthenia syndrome.

It is also used in the complex treatment of pathological conditions such as hypertension, cerebral vascular crises.

Available in the form of tablets and syrup.
Tablets are taken 3-4 times a day, 1-2 pieces before meals. In case of sleep disorders - 2-3 tablets 1 hour before planned sleep. The duration of treatment is determined individually and depends on the initial severity of the patient’s condition and his response to the therapy.

The syrup is taken 1-2 teaspoons (this is 5-10 ml) three times a day before meals. To improve the quality of sleep - 2 teaspoons (10 ml) an hour before bedtime.

Alora is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, as well as during pregnancy and lactation.
When taking the drug in recommended doses, the development of any undesirable effects is unlikely. Allergic reactions are extremely rarely diagnosed.

In case of severe organic pathology of the digestive tract, the drug is used with caution. Alora has not been tested on pregnant or lactating women, so possible negative effects on the fetus and infant are unknown. The drug in syrup form is not recommended for use by patients because it contains sucrose. When treated with this drug, working with dangerous machinery and driving vehicles should be avoided. It is also not recommended to drink alcohol during the treatment period.

Combination drugs

Most sedative herbal preparations contain several active ingredients at once - due to this, their positive effects are potentiated and the expected effect is achieved faster.

Dormiplant

Contains dry extracts of valerian root and lemon balm leaves. It has a calming effect on the body as a whole, and also improves falling asleep and quality of sleep. Indications for use are a state of nervous overstrain and sleep disturbances arising from this background. Take the drug 2 tablets 30 minutes before bedtime - for the purpose of normalization. For anxiety conditions - 2 tablets 2-3 times a day. Take the tablets without chewing, with water. The duration of treatment is determined individually. Contraindications: depressive conditions, as well as hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. Side effects are rare. Nausea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, intestinal spasms, and allergic reactions are possible. Of the special instructions, it should be noted that experimental studies of the drug have not been conducted on pregnant and lactating women, therefore there is no data regarding the safety of taking it during these periods. Since side effects include confusion and drowsiness, caution should be exercised when taking Dormiplant by persons whose work involves driving vehicles or operating heavy machinery.

Menovalen

Capsules containing lipophilic complexes of valerian (50 mg) and peppermint (25 mg). Has a mild sedative effect. Helps you fall asleep quickly. It is used for mild neuroses, manifested by nervous overexcitation, decreased concentration, feelings of anxiety and restlessness, and sleep disturbances. Take 1 capsule three times a day half an hour before meals or 1-2 capsules an hour before bedtime. Adverse reactions are extremely rare, develop with prolonged use of the drug, and are reversible. These are side effects from the central nervous system, characteristic of the entire group of sedatives, as well as a decrease in blood pressure, a feeling of palpitations and compression behind the sternum, heart rhythm disturbances, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, abdominal pain, constipation, bitterness in the mouth and pain in the right hypochondrium, allergic reactions. It is not recommended to take Menovalen during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Novo-passit

It contains valerian extract, St. John's wort herb and guaifenesin. In addition to the hypnotic and antidepressant effects of medicinal herbs, guaifenesin also has an anti-anxiety and smooth muscle relaxing effect. Indications for taking this drug are standard - like all sedatives. Available in the form of tablets and oral solution. Recommended doses: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) or 1 tablet orally 3 times a day. If necessary, the dose can be doubled. The interval between taking the drug should not be less than 4 hours. Contraindications are hypersensitivity to the components of Novo-passit, epilepsy and myasthenia gravis. Side effects are similar to those of other sedatives. While taking Novo-passit, it is not recommended to be exposed to ultraviolet rays for a long time. Use with caution in persons with severe liver dysfunction. The safety of the drug during pregnancy and lactation is unknown. When taking the drug, absent-mindedness and a decrease in the speed of reactions are possible - patients should refrain from activities that require high concentration and coordination of actions.

Persen and Persen forte

Contains extracts of valerian, lemon balm and peppermint. Available in the form of tablets and capsules. Properties, indications, contraindications and side effects are standard. Recommended doses of Persen: 3-4 tablets three times a day, for sleep disorders - 3-4 tablets an hour before bedtime. Persen Forte take 2 capsules 2 times a day or 2 capsules 1 hour before bedtime. Taking the drug does not depend on food intake. Tablets/capsules should be swallowed whole with a small amount of water. The course of treatment is not limited. Of the special instructions, it should be noted that this drug contains lactose - it is contraindicated in patients with lactose. During pregnancy and lactation, Persen is used after a benefit/risk assessment.

Persen cardio

Available in the form of capsules containing extracts of passionflower herb and hawthorn leaves and flowers. The mild sedative effect of passionflower in this preparation is combined with the cardioprotective (improves heart function) effect of hawthorn. It is used for vegetative-vascular dystonia, increased nervous excitability, functional disorders of the heart, and neuroses. It is recommended to take 1 capsule orally once a day. If necessary, the dose can be doubled. The drug should be taken before meals with water. Duration of treatment – ​​at least 1.5 months. Persen cardio is contraindicated in case of individual hypersensitivity to its components, as well as during pregnancy and lactation. Side effects are standard. Contains lactose - should not be taken by persons intolerant to this substance. There are no data on safety during pregnancy and lactation. During treatment with this drug, it is not recommended to work with serious machinery or drive vehicles.

Relaxil

The composition and properties are similar to Persen. Available in capsules. It is recommended to take 2 capsules 2 times a day or 1 hour before bedtime.

Sedavit

Contains a complex of plant extracts (valerian, hawthorn, St. John's wort, mint, hop cones), pyridoxine and nicotinamide. Available in the form of tablets and oral solution. The active substances of medicinal plants have sedative, anti-anxiety, cardioprotective effects, reduce feelings of fear and mental stress. Vitamins normalize metabolism in nervous tissue. Indications are conditions of constant neuropsychic overstrain, neurasthenia, neurocirculatory dystonia, asthenic syndrome, stage 1 hypertension, menopausal syndrome, etc. Tablets are used 2 pieces 3 times a day. Swallow whole with liquid. If necessary, the single dose can be increased to 3 tablets. If adverse reactions from the nervous system occur, reduce the dose to 1 tablet at a time. The solution is taken 1 teaspoon (5 ml) orally 3 times a day. The dose can be increased to 10 ml per dose. Contraindications to taking the drug are: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, bronchial asthma, spasmophilia, arterial hypotension, myasthenia gravis, severe liver pathology, diabetes mellitus that cannot be corrected. Side effects occur in isolated cases, they are standard. Persons with hereditary pathologies of carbohydrate metabolism are not recommended to take this drug, since it contains lactose and sorbitol. While taking Sedavit, you should not expose your skin to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Sedariston

Available in the form of drops containing alcoholic extracts of St. John's wort, valerian and lemon balm, and capsules consisting of dry extracts of St. John's wort and valerian. The effects, side effects, indications and contraindications are similar to those of previously described drugs with similar composition. Recommended doses of drops: 20 drops. three times a day before or 2 hours after meals, first diluted in liquid. The recommended daily dose of the drug in capsule form is 4 pieces (2 capsules twice a day or 1 capsule 4 times a day) - before meals, with plenty of liquid.

Sedasen and Sedasen forte

Contains dry extracts of valerian, mint and lemon balm. The “forte” form differs from the simple one by containing 2.5 times more valerian extract. We will not repeat ourselves regarding the properties, indications, effects and side effects of these drugs - they are standard. It is recommended to take 1-2 capsules 2-3 times a day or 1 hour before bedtime, swallowing the capsule whole and drinking plenty of liquid. The duration of treatment varies, ranging from several weeks to 12 months. If no improvement in the patient's condition is observed within 2 weeks of taking the drug, treatment should be reconsidered.

Sedafiton

Tablets containing thick extracts of valerian, motherwort and hawthorn. Has a sedative and cardioprotective effect. A single dose for an adult is 1–2 tablets, the maximum daily dose is 6 tablets.

Trivalumen

Capsules containing dry extracts of valerian, peppermint, hops and bean tree. It has sedative, hypnotic and a number of other, less pronounced properties that are not related to the nervous system. Does not cause addiction, does not depress psychomotor functions, and does not impair work ability. Used for insomnia due to nervous and mental fatigue, neurocirculatory dystonia of the cardiac type (accompanied by palpitations, increased heart rate, arterial hypertension, pain in the heart), decreased appetite.

It is recommended to take 1 capsule 2-3 times a day or 1-1.5 hours before bedtime. Duration of treatment is 1–2 weeks. After 10 days, the course of treatment can be repeated. In the vast majority of cases, the drug is well tolerated. If recommended doses are exceeded, side effects such as drowsiness, lethargy, weakness, decreased ability to work and the ability to concentrate, and decreased blood pressure may develop.

Contraindicated in case of increased individual sensitivity, cholelithiasis, hypotensive conditions, depression. It is not recommended to use this drug when working with serious machinery or driving vehicles.

Listed above are the most commonly used sedatives of plant origin in medical practice. We draw your attention to the fact that even taking into account the safety of this group of drugs, if you develop symptoms for which they are indicated, you should not self-medicate, but should immediately seek qualified medical help - only under this condition will the prescribed treatment bring maximum results !

Which doctor should I contact?

To prescribe herbal sedatives, you can contact a neurologist. In addition, they are used in their practice by therapists, pediatricians, cardiologists, gynecologists, and psychiatrists.

In modern society it is difficult to live without such means. Almost everyone experiences stressful days: tests, exams, problems at work and in the family, important events, etc.

Sedatives make a person less irritable and more restrained, cope with mood swings, help get rid of anxiety and fall asleep easier.

Doctors often prescribe sedatives in the treatment of any disease, since patients are too worried about their illness and experience severe stress as a result. Before planned surgical operations, a person is also prescribed sedatives.

What medications have a sedative effect?

The following groups of drugs that have a sedative effect are distinguished:

• tranquilizers;
• bromides (sodium and potassium salts of hydrobromic acid);
• sleeping pills;
• antipsychotics;
• barbiturates;
• 1st generation antihistamines;
• Z-drugs;
• some antidepressants;
• natural herbal remedies.

Tranquilizers have a fairly strong sedative effect. In addition, they have anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, anxiolytic (relieves anxiety), hypnotic and hypnotic (decreases attention) effects.

The use of these drugs is unsafe, as they can be addictive, so a person cannot prescribe them for himself.

Barbiturates are very popular; they are included in Corvalol, Valocardine, and Barboval. But these drugs are also unsafe and can be addictive; they must be taken with caution.

Bromides are widely known bromine-based medications that are good for insomnia and irritability. They are relatively safe, but when accumulated in the body they cause bromism.

Bromism manifests itself in lethargy, lethargy, memory loss, apathy, and decreased libido in men. Skin rashes and itching may occur. The most famous drugs from the bromide group are “Bromcamphor”, “Bromenval”, “Potassium bromide”, “Sodium bromide”.

Antidepressants

Medications such as antidepressants work to reduce or prevent depression. They act on mediators responsible for mood and depression, regulating their concentration in the body.

There are currently three groups of antidepressants: tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and selective serotonin uptake inhibitors. It is the first group, the drugs of which were synthesized in the 1950s, that provide a pronounced sedative effect.

The most famous tricyclic antidepressants with a pronounced sedative effect: Amyltriptyline, Imipramine, Nortriptyline.

Tricyclic antidepressants increase the amount of serotonin and noripinephrine in the brain. But, at the same time, they block other mediators, which is why they can cause many side effects. Antidepressants of the second and third groups are more modern, have a stimulating effect on the brain, rather than a calming one, and adverse reactions to them rarely occur.

There are also antidepressants that do not belong to any of the listed groups, since their composition and mechanism of action are different. Some of these antidepressants have a calming effect (eg, Trazodone).

Antihistamines

Antihistamines block H1 receptors, relieving the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Medicines in this group are divided into first- and second-generation antihistamines and modern active metabolites. First generation antihistamines have many side effects, one of which is sedation.

The most well-known and used antihistamines:

• "Diphenhydramine" is a potent drug, sometimes prescribed as a sleeping pill. Often causes side effects;
• “Diazolin” - the sedative effect is weaker than that of “Diphenhydramine”, in some cases it can even cause excitement in the central nervous system;
• "Suprastin";
• "Pipolfen";
• "Fenkarol" - antihistamines with low antiallergic activity, act as a sedative without a pronounced sedative effect. Used during the period of development of addiction to other sedatives and antiallergic drugs.

Second generation drugs are antihistamines, which have virtually no sedative effect. These include “Semprex”, “Trexil”, “Fenistil”, “Gistalong”. Active metabolites are the most modern medicines, such as “Cetrin”, “Telfast”. These antihistamines act without sedation. They are perfect for people who need to focus their attention on something.

Natural remedies

Medicines based on valerian, lemon balm and motherwort are used as a mild sedative during periods of minor stress, insomnia, and neurosis.

Valerian preparations, although of plant origin, can cause depression of the central nervous system in case of overdose, which is expressed in a decrease in performance, a depressed state.

Therefore, you should not adhere to the opinion that the more you drink the medicine, the better it will work. Always follow the dosage.

Combination preparations such as “Novopassit”, “Passifit”, “Persen”, “Fitorelax” are also made on a plant basis. They do not act as strongly on the central nervous system as antidepressants or tranquilizers, but they can be purchased at any pharmacy without a prescription from a doctor.

Side effects

Whatever drug you choose, you need to remember that each of the sedatives has side effects. Therefore, before you start taking any remedy, you should read the instructions.