Which category of sedative-hypnotics was primarily used to treat anxiety, induce sleep, and control seizures?

Barbiturates are a class of sedative-hypnotics that were historically used to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders. They function by enhancing the action of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA-A receptor, leading to sedative and anxiolytic effects. Their potency in inducing sleep and controlling seizures made them a widely prescribed medication in the past.

While minor tranquilizers, commonly Benzodiazepines, are also effective in treating anxiety and sleep disorders, they became more popular due to a better safety profile and lower risk of dependence compared to barbiturates. Other sedative-hypnotics could refer to various medications with sedating effects, but they do not specifically encapsulate the well-established category of barbiturates used for these critical conditions. Opioids primarily serve as pain relievers and are not classified as sedative-hypnotics in the context of treating anxiety or inducing sleep. Thus, the most fitting answer, given the historical context of use for anxiety, inducing sleep, and controlling seizures, is barbiturates.