When Were Sedatives Invented?

The first substance introduced specifically as a sedative and as a hypnotic was a liquid solution of bromide salts, which came into use in the 1800s. Chloral hydrate, a derivative of ethyl alcohol, was introduced in 1869 as a synthetic sedative-hypnotic; it was used notoriously as “knock-out” drops.

What is the most powerful sedative?

What was barbiturates originally used for?

Barbiturates were first used in medicine in the early 1900s and became popular in the 1960s and 1970s as treatment for anxiety, insomnia, or seizure disorders. They evolved into recreational drugs that some people used to reduce inhibitions, decrease anxiety, and to treat unwanted side effects of illicit drugs.