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Secobarbital is commonly used as a preoperative sedative to prepare patients for surgical procedures. It belongs to a class of medications known as barbiturates, which are central nervous system depressants. When administered, Secobarbital helps induce sedation and anxiolysis, making patients more comfortable and relaxed before surgery. This is crucial for minimizing anxiety and ensuring that patients remain still during the operation, which can improve surgical outcomes.

In contrast, promoting wakefulness during the day relates to medications that stimulate the central nervous system, not a depressant like Secobarbital. Managing anxiety in chronic conditions typically involves the use of long-term treatments, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or benzodiazepines, rather than short-acting sedatives. Finally, while barbiturates may have some pain-relieving properties, they are not the first choice for treating acute pain episodes, as other medications, such as opioids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are more commonly used for that purpose.