Central Nervous System Depressants
Drugs used to medicinally to relieve
anxiety, irritability, and tension.
Includes:
Barbiturates (phenobarbital, seconal)
Methaqualone (quaalude)
Benzodiazepines (valium, xanax)
Route of Administration: Oral
Arousal Levels
Normal
Relief from anxiety
Disinhibition
Sedation
Sleep
Anesthesia
Coma
Death
Immediate Physical and
Psychological Effects of
Depressants
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Euphoria
Muscle Relaxation
Drowsiness
Loss of Motor Control
Impaired Judgment
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Long Term Physiological
Effects
of Depressant Use
Respiratory and circulation depression
Lowered libido
Hangover
Coma
Seizures
Death
Long Term Psychological
Effects
of Depressant Use
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Depression
Paranoia
Hallucinations
Delusions
Dependence
Psychological High/Moderate
Physiological High/Moderate
Withdrawal Syndrome
Symptoms:
Anxiety, insomnia, muscle tremors,
loss of appetite
Abrupt cessation or reduced high
dose may cause convulsions, delirium
and death
Cross-Tolerance
Sedatives heighten the effect of GABA
Cross-tolerance and dependence
often occurs between
Barbiturates, Methaqualone,
Benzodiazepines, and Alcohol
Central Nervous System Depressants
Barbiturates (phenobarbital, seconal)
Common uses: Sedation, induce sleep,
treat epilepsy
Duration: 1 t0 16 hours
Central Nervous System Depressants
Methaqualone (quaalude)
Common Uses: Relaxation, induce sleep
Duration: 4 to 8 hours
Central Nervous System Depressants
Benzodiazepines
Common uses: treatment of anxiety
Long-acting: Valium, Librium
Intermediate: Restoril
Short-acting: Xanax
Duration: 4 to 8 hours
Rohypnol
Drug Category: Benzodiazeoine, 10 times stronger
than valium. Used for short-treatment of severe
sleep disorders.
Route of Administration: oral, snorted, injected
Effect: First effects 30 min.; peak effect 2 hours;
effects may last up to 8 hours. Can be detected in
urine for 72 hours.
GHB
Drug Category: Fast acting central nervous system
depressant. Colorless, odorless liquid with a salty
taste, also in capsule form.
Route of Administration: Oral
Effects: Initial effects euphoria, relaxation; adverse
reaction within 15 minutes to 1 hour (nausea,
drowsiness)