What are Sedatives? Let's talk about this simply.

Do you sometimes feel very restless, afraid, and anxious beyond control? Or do you go to bed at night and toss and turn until the next morning? Maybe your doctor has given you a 'medication to calm your mind'. This is what we medically call sedatives . But it is very important for you to know exactly what these medications are. Because if they are not used correctly and properly, big problems can arise. So let's talk about everything in simple terms today.

Simply put, what are these sedatives?

Simply put, a sedative is a type of medication that slows down or controls the activity of our central nervous system , that is, our brain and spinal cord. It's like slowing down a speeding car.

There are many types of these medications. Some are very strong, some are not so strong. Also, some medications have a long effect, while some only last a short time. A doctor will give you this medication after carefully examining your condition and determining the type and dosage that is most suitable for you.

Imagine what happens to your body when you take this medicine. Let's see what the main effects are.

What does "sedation" mean?

You may have heard that the test was done under sedation. "Sedation" is the act of giving someone a sedative to make them feel calm, relaxed, or sleepy. This is usually done before a medical test (such as an endoscopy) or minor surgery. This helps the patient feel less anxious and less anxious, allowing them to do the procedure without any discomfort.

There are three levels of sedation:

1. Minimal Sedation: This involves only sedation. You will be awake, able to answer questions and do things the doctor asks.

2. Moderate Sedation: This will make you feel very sleepy. You may even fall asleep. You may remember some of what happened at that time, but you may not remember it.

3. Deep Sedation: This puts you to sleep. However, it is not a complete loss of consciousness like general anesthesia. You will not remember anything that happened during this time.

The difference between sedation and anesthesia

Some people confuse the two. Sedation means reducing your awareness and making you calm. General anesthesia goes further and makes you completely unconscious. Anesthesia is essential for major surgeries (e.g. heart surgery). Sedation is sufficient for minor surgeries or tests.

What conditions are these tranquilizers used for?

Doctors prescribe these sedatives for a variety of conditions. The most common of these are:

• Anxiety disorders
• Panic disorders
• Insomnia
• Seizures, such as epilepsy
• Mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder
• Spasticity
• To calm the patient before surgery and medical tests

What are the main types of sedatives?

These medications can be divided into several categories. Let's look at the main types.

How does this medicine work inside the body?

This is a bit of a scientific story, but I'll explain it simply. Messages are exchanged between nerve cells in our brain using chemicals called neurotransmitters . Among these , GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter that regulates brain function, acting like a "brake."

What tranquilizers do is increase the activity of GABA. When GABA is increased, brain activity becomes more efficient. As a result, we feel calm and sleepy.

Things to tell your doctor before starting a medication like this

Before your doctor gives you a sedative, there are a few things you should definitely be aware of. It's important for your own safety to be upfront about these things.

• Ask if there are other treatments for your condition once this medication is discontinued.
• Talk clearly about the benefits and risks of taking this medication.
• Tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have (e.g. liver or kidney problems).
• Tell me if anyone in your family has a history of drug addiction.
• Tell your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking (medicines for other illnesses, vitamins, traditional medicines), as some medications can interact with this sedative.
• If you use alcohol, be sure to mention it.
• If you are pregnant, hoping to become pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother, you should disclose this.
• If you use any other drugs, be honest about that too.

Side effects and serious risks of sedatives

Like all medications, this one has side effects, and can pose serious risks if used incorrectly.

Short-term side effects

These usually occur during the initial period of using the medication and may disappear as the body gets used to the medication.

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Difficulty concentrating, inability to focus
• Blurred vision
• Increased reaction time (decreased reflexes)
• Feeling less pain

Serious long-term risks

This medication can cause serious problems if used for a long time, especially if used incorrectly.

1. Addiction Potential: This is the biggest risk. The relief and happiness these drugs provide can make some people addicted to them. After a while, the relief they felt from the previous dose wears off. Then they start increasing the dose. This is the beginning of addiction.

• Psychological Dependence: Feeling that "I can't live without this drug."
• Physical Dependence: Your body becomes accustomed to the drug and experiences various physical symptoms (withdrawal symptoms) when the drug is discontinued.

2. Overdose and Toxicity: Taking more medication than your doctor recommends can be life-threatening. The risk of overdose is especially high if you take this medication with alcohol or other painkillers (Opioids).

3. Withdrawal symptoms: If an addict suddenly stops taking the drug, the body will react badly to it. This can also be life-threatening.

• Severe anxiety, restlessness
• Tremors
• Fear of sleep, nightmares
• High fever
• Heart rate and breathing become faster.
• Seizures

What time do you want to see the doctor again?

It is important to talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following while you are taking this medicine.

• If your symptoms do not improve despite taking medication.
• If side effects make it difficult to carry out your daily activities.
• If you feel like you are becoming addicted to this medication (e.g., if you feel like you "can't live without it").
• If you feel like you need to stop taking this medicine now (don't stop it immediately, talk to your doctor and decide).