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A barbiturate with hypnotic and sedative properties (but not antianxiety).
Adverse effects are mainly a consequence of dose related CNS depression and the risk
of dependence with continued use is high.
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References:
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Insomnia
Disorders characterized by impairment of the ability to initiate or maintain sleep. This may occur as a primary disorder or in association with another medical or psychiatric condition.
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Articles]
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Pharmacologic Action
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Hypnotic and Sedative
(Drugs used to induce drowsiness or sleep or to reduce psychological excitement or anxiety.)
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GABA Modulator
(Substances that do not act as agonists or antagonists but do affect the
Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor-ionophore complex. GABA-A receptors appear to have at
least three allosteric sites at which modulators act: a site at which benzodiazepines
act by increasing the opening frequency of Gamma-aminobutyric acid activated chloride
channels; a site at which barbiturates act to prolong the duration of channel opening;
and a site at which some steroids may act. General anesthetics probably act
at least partly by potentiating GABAergic responses, but they are not included here.)
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