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 Euphoria Muscle Relaxation Drowsiness Loss of Motor Control Impaired Judgment

Long Term Physiological Effects of Depressant Use Respiratory and circulation depression Lowered libido Hangover Coma Seizures Death

Long Term Psychological Effects of Depressant Use 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)