What is a sedative?

A sedative is a type of medication designed primarily to calm or soothe the patient, thereby reducing anxiety and inducing a sense of relaxation. Sedatives act on the central nervous system to help decrease activity and promote a state of tranquility, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with anxiety disorders or experiencing stress. By promoting sedation, these medications can help patients feel more comfortable in various settings, such as before surgical procedures or during treatment sessions.

The other options focus on different therapeutic effects; increasing alertness relates to stimulants, relieving pain pertains to analgesics, and medications for hypertension are specifically aimed at lowering blood pressure. Each of these has distinct mechanisms and purposes different from the calming effects associated with sedatives.