II. Central Nervous System (CNS)depressants (sedatives and tranquilisers)

What are CNS depressants?

CNS depressants, sometimes§ referred to as sedatives and tranquilizers, are substances that can slow normal brain function. Because of this property, some CNS depressants are useful in the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders.

Among the medications that are commonly prescribed for these purposes are the following:§

o Barbiturates, such as mephobarbital (Mebaral) and pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal), are used to treat anxiety, tension, and sleep disorders.

o Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide HCl (Librium), and alprazolam (Xanax), are prescribed to treat anxiety, acute stress reactions, and panic attacks. The more sedating benzodiazepines, such as triazolam (Halcion) and estazolam (ProSom) are prescribed for short-term treatment of sleep disorders. Usually, benzodiazepines are not prescribed for long-term use.

How do CNS depressants affect my brain and body?

Most depressants act on your brain by decreasing your brain activity.§

CNS depressants make you§ drowsy or produce in you a calming effect that is beneficial to you if you suffering from anxiety or sleep disorders.

What happens to me when I use CNS depressants?

During the first few days of taking a prescribed CNS depressant, you usually feel sleepy and uncoo§rdinated.

Your brain activity is reduced§

What happens to me if I am abusing CNS depressants?

If you use these drugs long§ term, your body develops tolerance for the drugs, and larger doses are needed to achieve the same initial effects.

If you continue to use you end up physically dependent on them and - when you reduce or stop using you experience withdrawal.§

When you stop taking them,§ your brain’s activity can rebound and race out of control, potentially leading to seizures and other harmful consequences.

When withdrawing from prolonged use you may suffer serious life-threatening complications.§