Anxiolytics are drugs which affect the central nervous system and treat the symptoms of anxiety. Sedatives are medications which reduce excitement or irritability. Hypnotic drugs, also known as soporifics, are psychoactive agents which are used primarily to induce sleep.
Regular Websites
Medscape: Toxicity, Sedative-Hypnotics
Describes sedative-hypnotics and what they are used for, and continues with a breakdown of barbiturates and nonbarbiturates. Also contains the pathophysiology, and what the clinical history should include. - Medscape: Toxicity, Sedative-Hypnotics
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/818430-overview
Contains a lengthy description of sedatives, including signs of barbiturate intoxication, withdrawal, and overdose. - Middlebury College: Sedatives
http://www.middlebury.edu/campuslife/services/healthed/drugs/sedatives.htm
Sedatives, Mood-Altering Drugs Related to Falls Among Elderly
Discusses a University of British Columbia study which indicates that elderly people fall significantly more frequently when they are using sedatives. - Sedatives, Mood-Altering Drugs Related to Falls Among Elderly
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091123171410.htm