DEPRESSANTS
OverviewDepressants are potentially addictive drugs that cause the body and/or the mind to be in a relaxed state. They typically slow down the functions of the central nervous system such as heart rate, blood pressure, and neurotransmitter release (GABA). People who suffer with Anxiety disorders are sometimes prescribed depressants to help control signs and symptoms.
In addition to those featured on this page, Alcohol, Opioids and Cannabis are considered depressant drugs!! |
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs primarily used for treating anxiety, but they also are effective in treating several other conditions such as seizure disorder, insomnia, and can be used as a pre-anesthetic. They appear to work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that suppresses the activity of nerves.They include drugs such as Xanax, Valium, Halcion, Restoril and Ativan. Some are very addictive and have a strong potential for abuse.
Sleep Aids
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Anti-Depressants
Antidepressants are NOT depressant drugs but rather medications that are used treat depression and/or anxiety. They require a prescription and work to balance some of the natural chemicals in our brains, specifically Serotonin. It may take between 3-8 weeks for them to be therapeutic. There are several types of antidepressants. You and your doctor may have to try a few before finding one that works best for you. Do not become discouraged if you do not benefit from the first couple you try!!
Antidepressants may cause mild side effects that usually do not last long. These may include headache, nausea, sleep problems, restlessness, and sexual problems. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects. You should also let your doctor know if you take any other medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements. Although they are NOT addictive, it is important to keep taking your medicines, even if you feel better. Do not stop taking your medicines without talking to your doctor. You often need to stop antidepressants gradually. Some common ones are Paxil, Prozac, Celexa, Effexor, Zoloft, Lexapro, etc. |
Many people use sleep aids to treat insomnia since sleep shortage has become commonplace in this country. In a 2008 National Sleep Foundation poll, nearly one-third of people reported falling asleep or feeling very sleepy at work within the past month; 36% reported that they had fallen asleep while driving or nodded off at the wheel in the last year. Going without enough sleep can also lead to headaches and contribute to depression.
Some people take OTC sleep aids including melatonin and valerian, or other products containing antihistamines, such as Benadryl, Sominex, and Tylenol PM. Other people use prescription sleep medications approved specifically for insomnia. In the past, doctors frequently prescribed benzodiazepines but those carry serious risks of physical addiction and overdose. Today, doctors are more likely to prescribe a newer class of sleep drugs called "gamma-aminobutyric acid (or GABA) medications. These include Lunesta, Ambien, and Sonata, and appear to be less addictive, although some potential does exist. BARBITURATES
These drugs were first introduced in the 1900's and are developed from barbituric acid. This acid, on its own, has no medicinal value, but drugs derived from it increase the action of GABA (slow down the CNS). They were commonly used to treat headache, insomnia, anxiety and seizures. Although there are still 12 in use today, Benzodiazepines have become a safer, less addictive method of treating the same conditions.
People who abuse this drug do so for it's alcohol-like effects. Common Barbiturates such as Amytal and Seconal, produce effects in 15-40 minutes and may last up to 6 hours. Barbiturates are often used in conjunction with Alcohol, Cocaine and Heroin. These drugs are known to have a small window between a therapeutic and a toxic dose. Symptoms include memory problems, slurred' speech, irritability, dizziness, paranoia, and a state of "drunkenness". Pentobarbitol is a Barbiturate that is/was used as one of the three drugs administered in the death penalty. |
Rohypnol
Rohypnol - Also known as "Roofies" , belongs to the class of benzodiazepines and was made famous in movies such as The Hangover and The Human Centipede. The earlier forms are odorless, tasteless and colorless, and are often seen at college parties, raves or club experiences. Although it has NO medical purpose in the United States, it is utilized as a "date rape" drug. It is easily dropped into a person's drink and may cause a person to lose consciousness (especially when combined with alcohol) for 8-12 hours. "Gray spots" in memory are also reported. If someone expects that they have been a victim of roofies, call 911 for help! NEVER leave a drink(of any kind) unattended!! "Roofies" is associated with anterograde amnesia. Define this term!
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