Chlormethiazole has sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant and neuroprotective properties. This drug is approved in different counties under the different brand name (e.g., Heminevrin) and is used for the management of restlessness and agitation in the elderly, short-term treatment of severe insomnia in the elderly and treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Clomethiazole interacts with the picrotoxin/barbiturate site of the GABAA-receptor-chloride channel complex. Clomethiazole is pharmacologically distinct from both the benzodiazepines and the barbiturates. Given alone its effects on respiration are slight and the therapeutic index high.