16.8 : 镇静剂和催眠药：杂项药剂

A variety of  CNS depressants are utilized as sedatives and hypnotics, each with distinct properties.

Melatonin congeners help treat insomnia and jet lag by mimicking melatonin's action in regulating sleep-wake cycles.

Chloral hydrate is used in pediatric medicine for its calming effects. Meprobamate, an anxiolytic, reduces brain activity to induce relaxation.

Etomidate and propofol are intravenous anesthetic agents, often used for induction and maintenance of anesthesia or sedation. They primarily act by potentiating GABA_A receptor activity.

Clomethiazole, too, acts by enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission and helps manage alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Suvorexant, an orexin receptor antagonist, promotes sleep.

Doxepin, a tricyclic antidepressant, treats insomnia by blocking histamine receptors at low doses.

Pregabalin binds to calcium channels, modulating calcium influx and inhibiting excitatory neurotransmitter release.

Newer agents include agomelatine, a serotonin-antagonizing melatonin agonist,  and ritanserin, a serotonin antagonist.