1. 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

2. Arousal Levels Normal Relief from anxiety Disinhibition Sedation Sleep
Anesthesia
Coma
Death

3. Immediate Physical and Psychological Effects of Depressants
Euphoria
Muscle Relaxation
Drowsiness
Loss of Motor Control
Impaired Judgment

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

5. Long Term Psychological Effects of Depressant Use
Depression
Paranoia
Hallucinations
Delusions

6. Dependence
Psychological High/Moderate
Physiological High/Moderate

7. Withdrawal Syndrome Symptoms: Anxiety, insomnia, muscle tremors,
loss of appetite
Abrupt cessation or reduced high
dose may cause convulsions, delirium
and death

8. Cross-Tolerance Sedatives heighten the effect of GABA
Cross-tolerance and dependence
often occurs between
Barbiturates, Methaqualone,
Benzodiazepines, and Alcohol

9. Central Nervous System Depressants
Barbiturates (phenobarbital, seconal)
Common uses: Sedation, induce sleep,
treat epilepsy
Duration: 1 t0 16 hours

10. Central Nervous System Depressants
Methaqualone (quaalude)
Common Uses: Relaxation, induce sleep
Duration: 4 to 8 hours

11. Central Nervous System Depressants
Benzodiazepines
Common uses: treatment of anxiety
Long-acting: Valium, Librium
Intermediate: Restoril
Short-acting: Xanax
Duration: 4 to 8 hours

12. 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.

13. 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)