Final answer:
Sedative-hypnotics including diazepam and others induce symptoms like sluggishness, incoordination, and drowsiness. Severe cases can lead to coma or death. These substances impact the central nervous system and can cause sedation, muscle relaxation, and decreased anxiety.
Step-by-step explanation:
Signs and Symptoms of Sedative-Hypnotics
Sedative-hypnotics, such as diazepam, secobarbital, flunitrazepam, and midazolam, are drugs that have a calming effect and can induce drowsiness. Common signs and symptoms of sedative use include sluggishness, incoordination, difficulty in thinking, slowness of speech, faulty judgement, and drowsiness. In severe overdose cases, shallow breathing, staggering, and potentially coma or death may occur. These symptoms arise due to the action of sedative-hypnotics on the central nervous system, leading to effects like sedation, hypnosis, decreased anxiety, muscle relaxation, and in some cases anticonvulsant activity.
Anti-anxiety medications, including benzodiazepines, are often used to treat the symptoms of anxiety. They can cause side effects such as agitation, anxiety rebound, sleep problems, nausea and vomiting, abnormal heart rhythms, low blood pressure, and muscular problems. Abuse, tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, and rebound syndrome are potential risks associated with the prolonged use of these medications.
Overall, the impact of sedative-hypnotics on the body is significant, as they can affect both physical and cognitive functions. It is crucial to use these medications under medical supervision to mitigate risks and ensure proper management of any associated disorders.