Effects of Depressants

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), depressants are substances that slow down the normal functioning of the central nervous system. Depressants include alcohol, sedative-hypnotics and some anesthetics. However, barbiturates and benzodiazepines are by far the most common medically prescribed depressants.

Uses

• Barbiturates are commonly prescribed to prevent seizures and to treat anxiety and insomnia. However, the use of barbiturates has greatly declined due to the emergence of benzodiazepines as a safer alternative in many instances. Common commercial names of barbiturates include Amytal, Nembutal and Phenobarbital.

  Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms and epilepsy. However, a 1985 study conducted by the Quality Assurance Project, suggests that the benefits of benzodiazepines on anxiety are limited. Common commercial names for benzodiazepines include Valium and Xanax.

Short Term Side Effects

• Barbiturates produce effects similar to alcohol intoxication. According to the DEA, side effects include slurred speech, loss of motor coordination and impaired judgment.. Moreover, large doses of barbiturates can be fatal if combined with alcohol.

  Benzodiazepines are considered safer and less addictive than barbiturates. However, short term side effects do exist and include headaches, irritability, confusion, memory impairment and depression.

Long Term Side Effects

• Both barbiturates and benzodiazepines can be addictive. Addiction of barbiturates and benzodiazepines is particularly dangerous because heavy use can result in impaired sexual function, chronic sleep problems, respiratory depression and respiratory arrest and death. Moreover withdrawal can produce insomnia, anxiety, seizures and delirium. According to Tina Weitkamp, Associate Professor of Clinical Nursing, maternal abuse of barbiturates may cause severe birth defects, including giving birth to addicted infants who will suffer from withdrawal syndrome.

Interactions

• Combining depressants can be dangerous because doing so increases the effects of the depressants exponentially. Suicide is often committed by the deliberate combination of large doses of depressants. Additionally, some individuals combine depressants with other drugs (such as heroin) to increase the desired effect.

Famous Death From Depressants

• Over the years, several well known celebrities have died as a result of misusing depressants and other substances. These celebrities include Heath Ledger, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley and Margaux Hemingway.