MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Hypnotics

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Hypnotics

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Definition	Information

Definition

Hypnotics are medications that cause sleep or partial loss of consciousness.

Information

Hypnotics should only be taken under a doctor's direction. They should never be mixed with alcohol or with each other. Taking hypnotics together can lead to excess sedation and even death.

Update Date: 7/27/2007

Updated by: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Psychiatry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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