What are CNS depressants?
CNS depressants are used to treat insomnia (trouble sleeping), anxiety, panic attacks, and seizures. They may also be used to relieve anxiety and tension before surgery. Examples of CNS depressants are benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and certain sleep medicines.
What are the 4 types of depressants?
Commonly used depressants
- Alcohol.
- Benzodiazepines.
- GHB.
- Kava.
How do CNS depressants work?
Most CNS depressants act on the brain by increasing activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical that inhibits brain activity. This action causes the drowsy and calming effects that make the medicine effective for anxiety and sleep disorders.
What do depressants do?
What They Do: When used as prescribed by a doctor, depressants can calm nerves and relax muscles. Larger or improperly used doses of depressant drugs can cause confusion, lack of coordination, low blood pressure, and slowed heart rate and breathing.
Which drugs are CNS depressants?
What are prescription CNS depressants?
- diazepam (Valium®)
- clonazepam (Klonopin®)
- alprazolam (Xanax®)
- triazolam (Halcion®)
- estazolam (Prosom®)
How depressant drugs affect the body?
Depressants slow or ‘depress’ the function of the central nervous system. They slow the messages going to and from your brain. In small quantities depressants can cause a person to feel relaxed and less inhibited. In large amounts they may cause vomiting, unconsciousness and death.
What is a CNS drug?
If you suffer from insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, or seizures, your doctor may prescribe a class of drugs called central nervous system (CNS) depressants. These medications are designed to slow your brain down, relax your muscles, and provide a sense of calm.
How do depressants affect consciousness?
Depressants, including, alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines, decrease consciousness by increasing the production of the neurotransmitter GABA and decreasing the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
What are signs of CNS depression?
Symptoms of severe CNS depression include:
- reduced heart rate.
- low breathing rate of fewer than 10 breaths per minute.
- extreme confusion or memory loss.
- nausea and vomiting.
- poor judgment.
- blue lips or fingertips.
- irritability and aggression.
- clammy or cold skin.
How do depressants work?
Depressants are drugs that affect neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. They slow brain activity to induce feelings of drowsiness, relaxation, and pain relief. Common types of antidepressants include alchohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines.