Sedative:A drug that calms apatient, easing agitation and permitting sleep. Sedatives generally work by modulating signals within thecentral nervous system. If sedatives are misused or accidentally combined, asinthe case of combiningprescriptionsedatives withalcohol, they can dangerously depress important signals that are needed to maintain heart and lung function. Most sedatives also have addictive potential. For these reasons, sedatives should be used under supervision and only as necessary.
