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The group is divided into therapeutic subgroups:
N05A - Antipsychotics
N05B - Anxiolytics
N05C - Hypnotics and sedatives

N05A ANTIPSYCHOTICS

This group comprises drugs with antipsychotic actions (i.e. neuroleptics).
Reserpine is classified in C02 - Antihypertensives.
Antipsychotics in combination with antidepressants are classified in N06C - Psycholeptics and psychoanaleptics in combination.
The group is subdivided mainly according to chemical structure.

N05B ANXIOLYTICS

This group comprises preparations used in the treatment of neuroses and psychosomatic disorders associated with anxiety and tension, e.g. benzodiazepines.
See also:
N05A - Antipsychotics
N05C - Hypnotics and sedatives
Usually the presence of an anxiolytic (or other psycholeptics) in combined preparations must be regarded as being of secondary importance and the preparations should be classified in the respective therapeutic groups (e.g. A03C - Antispasmodics in combination with psycholeptics, N02 - Analgesics).
Combined preparations used mainly for the treatment of anxiety are classified at separate 5th levels using the corresponding 50-series.
The group is subdivided according to chemical structure.

N05C HYPNOTICS AND SEDATIVES

This group comprises preparations with mainly sedative or hypnotic actions.
Melatonin receptor agonists are also classified in this group.
See also:
N05A - Antipsychotics
N05B - Anxiolytics
R06A - Antihistamines for systemic use
Combined preparations are classified at separate 4th levels, N05CB and N05CX.
Regarding classification of combined preparations, see comments under N05B - Anxiolytics.
Combined preparations with barbiturates are mainly classified in A03 (mainly antispasmodic effect) or in N02 (mainly analgesic effect).
Combined preparations with barbiturates which remain in N05C are mainly "neurostabilizers".
The group is subdivided according to chemical structure.