Depressants
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According to YouthonDrugs.com, depressants are defined as “
drugs that slow down the normal function of the central nervous system and suppress the neutral activities in the brain. The way depressants usually work is by affecting the part of the brain that controls an individual’s bodily functions, such as breathing and heartbeat rate.”
The specific affects that depressants can have vary for each person and some of the most common ones include alcohol and benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin and muscle relaxers. Some important aspects to understand about depressants include why people take them, how they are taken, possible drug side effects and some symptoms of depressant overdose.
Reasons for Taking Depressants
So why would anyone need to take a depressant? Doctors usually prescribe depressants to patients that are in need of tranquilization or suffer from
anxiety related problems. Depressants, including Xanax, Ativan and Klonopin are also used to treat people who are experiencing excessive irritability and tension. Other types of depressants can also be used to induce sleep. As for how people take them, depressants can most often be taken either orally, injected, or smoked.
Possible Effects of Depressant Usage
There are several physical and emotional effects associated with taking depressants. For example, an individual who is on depressants or certain types of depression drugs may feel calm and relaxed, but at the same time may also lack any type of facial expression. In addition to exhibiting behavior that results from alcohol intoxication, it’s also common for patients who use depressants to have skin that may feel extra cold and clammy as well bouts of nausea and excessive perspiration. Some of the other specific effects related to using depressants include:
- Lack of coordination – this can lead to staggering, stumbling, and displays of slurred speech
- Experiencing difficulty in concentrating
- Dilated pupils
- Reduction in body temperature and heart rate
There are also various long term effects that patients may suffer from by using depressants. They can include conditions such as physical dependence, impaired judgment and memory as well as hallucinations and psychotic episodes. Additionally, risks related with pregnancy and depressant usage also exist. For instance, it can be common for new born babies to show signs of drug dependence or withdrawal symptoms. Many new born infants can also suffer from certain birth defects and experience learning and behavioral problems.
Signs & Symptoms of Depressant Over-use
While the underlying reasons that certain individuals need to use depressants can be very legitimate, it’s important to be aware of the fact that many depressants, including alcohol and benzodiazepine can also be very addictive. According to YouthonDrugs.com, when depressants are abused by individuals and used in excess, patients will typically begin to show signs of certain symptoms, such as shallow respiration and weak or rapid pulse, which in most cases can lead to serious repercussions, including coma or even death.
Unfortunately, it can also be as equally dangerous to suddenly stop depressant usage. Abruptly withdrawing from depressants can lead to risks of convulsions, delirium and fatality. Patients generally display symptoms of withdrawal for a period of up to 10 days; and may also experience anxiety, insomnia, loss of appetite and weakness, to name a few. Remember that it’s extremely important to consult with an experienced health professional before starting or stopping the usage of depressant drugs.
Types of Depressants: