Depressants

What are some examples of depressant drugs?

Chloral hydrate, paraldehyde, barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital, amobarbital, secobarbital), meprobamate, methaqualone (Quaalude, Sopor), benzodiazepines (Librium, Valium), nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics (e.g., zolpidem/Ambien).

Describe the general set of behavioral effects common to depressant drugs.

Depressants decrease CNS activity and have widespread effects in the brain. Behavioral toxicity includes alcohol-like intoxication with impaired judgment and incoordination. Additive effects occur if combined with alcohol. Physiological toxicity includes respiratory depression, which is dangerous if combined with alcohol.

How did concerns about barbiturate use lead to the acceptance of newer classes of sedative-hypnotics?

Barbiturates were associated with intentional and accidental overdose deaths (due to respiratory depression), and abuse and dependence were linked to their rapid onset. These concerns led to the search for safer medications, resulting in the development and adoption of meprobamate, methaqualone, benzodiazepines, and later nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics.

Explain the differences in dose and duration of action appropriate for daytime anxiolytic effects vs. hypnotic effects of prescription depressants.

Barbiturates were grouped based on duration of action. Short-acting, rapid-onset barbiturates are used to induce sleep (hypnotic use) and prescribed in high doses. Long-acting, delayed-onset barbiturates are used to reduce anxiety (anxiolytic use) and prescribed in low doses.

What is the mechanism of action for barbiturates and benzodiazepines?

enzodiazepines bind to their receptor site and enhance the inhibitory effects of GABA on its receptors. Barbiturates act at a separate binding site nearby. The GABA receptor complex includes both barbiturate and benzodiazepine binding sites.

Why is it not recommended that people use sleeping pills for more than a few days in a row?

Concerns about nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics include sleepwalking, eating, and driving while in a semi-waking state, leading to required warning labels for all hypnotics. Hypnotics are meant for short-term use to help people fall asleep more quickly. Insomnia complaints may indicate depression, and nonmedical treatments exist.

What are several types of substances that are abused as inhalants?

Gasoline, glue, paint, lighter fluid, spray cans, nail polish, Liquid Paper, gaseous anesthetics (e.g., nitrous oxide), nitrites (amyl, butyl, isopropyl, isobutyl), and volatile solvents like paint thinners, removers, nail polish remover, correction fluid, and glues containing petroleum, acetone, and toluene.

What are the dangers of inhaling solvents?

Several solvents have been linked to kidney damage, brain damage, peripheral nerve damage, irritation of the respiratory tract, severe headaches, and death by suffocation.

What is GHB’s typical dose range and behavioral effects, and what are its effects when combined with alcohol?

GHB is a naturally occurring chemical structurally similar to GABA and acts as a CNS depressant. Its behavioral effects are similar to those of alcohol. Rohypnol (another depressant) produces profound intoxication when mixed with alcohol, and GHB has similar risk when combined with alcohol.

define anxiolytics

Sedatives often prescribed to reduce anxiety

define Barbiturates

A class of depressant drugs introduced in 1903, used medically for anxiety reduction and sleep induction. Grouped by duration of action. Examples include phenobarbital, amobarbital, and secobarbital.

define Benzodiazepines

Depressant drugs first introduced in 1960; reduce anxiety with less drowsiness than barbiturates and have a larger safety margin. Examples include Librium and Valium.

define Chloral hydrate

A depressant drug synthesized in 1832, used clinically by 1870. Causes sleep in less than an hour but repeated use causes gastric irritation. Associated with “Mickey Finn.”

define Depressants

A class of drugs that decrease CNS activity. Also called sedatives (anxiety treatment) or hypnotics (insomnia treatment). 

define Duration of action

Refers to how long a drug’s effects last; barbiturates are grouped based on duration of action, which corresponds with their time of onset.

define Epilepsy

A neurological disorder involving seizures; barbiturates and benzodiazepines may be prescribed as anticonvulsants for epileptic seizures.

define GABA

An inhibitory neurotransmitter. Benzodiazepines and barbiturates enhance the inhibitory effects of GABA at its receptor.

GHB (gamma hydroxybutyric acid)

A naturally occurring chemical in the brain, structurally similar to GABA. It is a CNS depressant with alcohol-like behavioral effects. Classified as Schedule I except for medical form Xyrem.

Hypnotics

Depressant drugs used to induce sleep. A large enough dose is taken to help one fall asleep more quickly.

Inhalants

Products containing inhalable chemicals that produce depressant-like effects. Examples include gasoline, glue, paint, and aerosol sprays.

Librium

The first commercially marketed benzodiazepine (chlordiazepoxide), introduced in 1960 to reduce anxiety with less drowsiness.

Methaqualone

A sedative-hypnotic drug introduced in the U.S. in 1965. Known by brand names Quaalude and Sopor. Widely misused and abused; placed in Schedule I in 1985.

Rohypnol (flunitrazepam)

A benzodiazepine known for being used as a "date rape" drug. Produces profound intoxication when mixed with alcohol.

Sedatives

Depressants used to treat anxiety.

Valium

A benzodiazepine (diazepam). Became the best-selling prescription drug between 1972 and 1978.