What are Depressant Drugs?
What are the Types of Depressants?
- Benzodiazepines
- Ethyl alcohol
- Barbiturates

How do Depressants Affect the Central Nervous System?
Barbiturates
Barbiturates are a type of CNS depressant often called “downers.” These drugs come in multicolored tablets and capsules or in liquid form and can be used in small doses to treat seizures or anxiety or to help with sleep issues. These CNS depressants affect the nervous system to produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation.
Benzodiazepines
What are the Other Depressants?
Ethyl Alcohol

Most CNS depressants increase activity of the chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that inhibits brain activity. This produces the drowsy and calming effect that makes the CNS depressants effective when used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders.
- Poor concentration
- Slurred speech
- Headache
- Confusion
- Slowed brain function
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Breathing difficulties
- Dry mouth
- Lowered blood pressure

What are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Depressants?
- Agitation
- Seizures
- Insomnia
- Hallucinations
- Shakiness
- Severe cravings
- Breathing problems
- Overdose
- Overactive reflexes
- Increased temperature with sweating, heart rate, or blood pressure
Depressant Drug Abuse
With physical dependence, a person’s body adapts to the depressants and gets used to functioning with them.
- Taking depressants in higher doses, larger doses, or other than prescribed
- Taking depressants to get high
- Taking someone else’s prescription medications
Advice for the Use of Prescription Drugs


Opiates

Cannabis

Hypnotics

Sedatives
Sedatives – including barbiturates, benzodiazepines, opioids and sleep-inducing drugs – are central nervous system depressants. Used extensively for medicinal properties, abusing these drugs can cause dependence and addiction.