Sedative-hypnotics are a group of drugs that cause CNS depression. Benzodiazepines and barbiturates are the most commonly used agents in this class. GHB is a sedative-hypnotic recently banned for sale to the public due to frequent abuse and serious toxic side effects. It also appears to increase CNS GABA B receptor activity and dopamine levels. Benzodiazepines are one of the most frequently prescribed medications in the world.
Barbiturates have the highest morbidity and mortality of the sedative-hypnotics.
Pure benzodiazepine ingestion usually causes little more than sedation and ataxia. Pure benzodiazepine very rarely result in death. Death from sedative-hypnotics results from respiratory arrest. The physical exam should focus on the vital signs and the neurologic and cardiopulmonary status. Mild toxicity resembles ethanol intoxication.