Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines are anxiolytics that also have sedative-hypnotic, anticonvulsant, anti-tremor, and central muscle relaxant effects. Representative drugs include triazolam, flurazepam, and lorazepam.
Those addicted to benzodiazepines may experience mental impairment, including aggressive behavior, criminal behavior, euphoria, excessive talking, anxiety, depression, uncontrollable laughing or crying, and even suicidal tendencies. These drugs can also cause memory impairment, including long-term memory impairment and anterograde amnesia. Long-term users who suddenly stop taking the drug may experience withdrawal symptoms, including withdrawal-related mental disorders.
Barbiturates: These drugs are derivatives of barbituric acid and have non-specific effects. Low doses can have a sedative effect, relieving anxiety and irritability; moderate doses can have a hypnotic effect, shortening sleep latency, reducing the number of awakenings, and extending sleep time. Due to their high risk of tolerance and dependence and numerous adverse effects, they are rarely used for sedation or hypnosis today.
Opioid analgesics primarily act on the central nervous system to produce analgesic effects and improve the unpleasant emotions caused by pain. However, they are also addictive and can lead to drug abuse and withdrawal syndromes. Common opioid analgesics include morphine, pethidine, and oxycodone.