Sedative or hypnotics are drugs that depress or slow down the body\'s functions. Often these drugs are referred to as tranquilizers and sleeping pills or sometimes just as sedatives. Sedatives or hypnotics include barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Barbiturates include phenobarbital. Benzodiazepines include chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, flurazepam, lorazepam, midazolam, oxazepam, temazepam, and triazolam. Action, uses, dosages and side effects of all these drugs are also covered in this chapter. Common side effects are dizziness, hangover, headache, sedation, and blurred vision.