|  | Mental Health | Mental Illness Treatments

What Are CNS Depressants?

Central nervous system (CNS) depressants are drugs that can slow down normal brain functions. Doctors often prescribe them as a medication for the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders. In higher doses, some CNS depressants may act as anesthetics or drugs that produce numbness and loss of sensation. The most commonly used CNS depressants include barbiturates and benzodiazepine. These drugs are highly addictive and should only be taken only under the supervision of a doctor.

  1. How CNS Depressants Work

    • Most CNS depressants work by activating a neurotransmitter called gamma aminobutryic acid (GABA). Neurotransmitters are chemical substances in the brain that allow communication among your brain cells. CNS depressants increase GABA activity in the brain, which in turn causes drowsiness and produces a calming effect in people with sleep and anxiety disorders.

    CNS Depressants Types

    • CNS depressants are categorized as benzodiazepines and barbiturates. Benzodiazepine medications are prescribed for short-term use to provide relief from anxiety, alcohol withdrawal and stress. Long-term use of benzodiazepines may cause a lack of coordination, drowsiness and dizziness. Barbiturates are also commonly used as an anesthetic during surgery and to treat epileptics. Anyone who takes barbiturates on a regular basis could possibly develop an addiction.

    Consequences

    • Make sure to use CNS depressants exactly as prescribed by your health care practitioner. During the first few weeks, the intake of these depressants may leave you feeling sleepy and uncoordinated. These feelings should disappear after long-term use, however. Remember that prolonged use of CNS depressants may cause physical dependence. It's also important to know that withdrawal from these drugs can prove problematic and may cause complications such as seizures.

    Safety

    • According to National Family Partnership, you should not use CNS depressants with other drugs, including prescription pain medicine, cold and allergy medications, alcohol or cocaine. Use of CNS depressants with these drugs could lead to slowed breathing, coma and even death.

Mental Illness Treatments - Related Articles