Depressants

Depressants slow down (or “depress”)
the normal activity that goes on in the brain. Alcohol is a depressant.



Doctors often prescribe central nervous
system (CNS) depressants to patients who are anxious or can’t sleep. When
used as directed, CNS depressants are safe and helpful for people who need
them.

1. http://www.fitango.com/categories.php?id=546 Fitango Education Health Topics Depressants

2. 1 Overview Depressants slow down (or “depress”) the normal activity that goes on in the brain. Alcohol is a depressant. Doctors often prescribe central nervous

3. 2 Overview system (CNS) depressants to patients who are anxious or can’t sleep. When used as directed, CNS depressants are safe and helpful for people who need them.

4. 3 Types of depressants CNS depressants can be divided into three main groups: -- Barbiturates, which are used to treat some forms of epilepsy

5. 4 Types of depressants -- Benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax), which can be used to treat severe stress, panic attacks, convulsions, and sleep disorders -- Sleep medications (Ambien, Sonata,

6. 5 Types of depressants Lunesta), which, as the name suggests, are used to help people with diagnosed sleep problems

7. 6 How they work **How They Work** Most CNS depressants affect the brain in the same way—they enhance the activity of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

8. 7 How they work **How They Work**  GABA is a neurotransmitter, one of the naturally occurring chemicals in the brain that sends messages between cells. GABA works by slowing down brain activity. Although different classes of CNS

9. 8 How they work **How They Work** depressants work in unique ways, they ultimately increase GABA activity, which produces a drowsy or calming effect.

10. 9 How they work **Effects When Abused** CNS depressants can be addictive* and should be used only as prescribed.  Otherwise, they can bring about major health problems, including addiction.  Combining them with alcohol or

11. 10 How they work **Effects When Abused** other drugs like pain medications can lead to slowed breathing and heart rate, and even death.