DEPRESSANTS

WHAT ARE THEY?

• Also, called "downers"
• Can be in liquid form or capsules (prescribed by doctor)
• Depressants are seen as severe tranquilizers
• Reduce central nervous function or other parts of the body
• In scientific terms, the depressants "increase amounts of chemicals that naturally block neuronal activity)

MEDICAL USES OF DEPRESSANTS

• Pre-anesthetic
• Anti-convulsants
• Anti-anxiety medications
• Sedatives
• Narcolepsy treatment

SHORT TERM EFFECTS

• Slows cognitive funtion
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Visual disturbances
• Depression, etc.

LONG TERM EFFECTS

• Coma
• Possible death(overdose)
• Chronic fatigue
• Anxiety
• Depression, etc.

REACTION OF THE BODY

• Slows down messages coming in and out of the brain
• From there all functions of the body slow down
• Slow down reflexes and can impair coordination (driving is a concern)
• Perception of time, logical thinking, and vision can be severely damaged
• Tolerance of depressants can build up, and addiction is a result of it

REACTION OF THE BODY(CONTINUED)

• Withdrawal of this drug can be dangerous.
• Symptoms of withdrawal are respiratory depression, coma, seizure, of death
• If one wishes to withdrawal from this drug a doctor must be notifed
• From there the doctor gradually has the patient taken off of the drug more
• ^This is why people with a serious addiction have a hard time quitting

EXAMPLES OF DEPRESSANTS

• Alcohol(ethonal)
• Barbiturates(sleeping pills)
• Benzodiazepines(tranquilizers)(ex:rohypnol)
• Inhalents/solvent(common household objects)
• Marijuana, etc.