DepressantsDepressants

By James O’SaileBy James O’Saile

What are depressants?What are depressants?

Depressants are substances that Depressants are substances that depress the activity of the central depress the activity of the central nervous systemnervous system

Are often referred to as Are often referred to as “downers” because of their “downers” because of their sedative, hypnotic, and sedative, hypnotic, and tranquilizing effectstranquilizing effects

What do they do?What do they do?

Depressants have various modes of Depressants have various modes of action and effects.action and effects.

They are used to:They are used to: Induce sleepInduce sleep Relieve emotion stressRelieve emotion stress Ease anxiety and tensionEase anxiety and tension Relieve painRelieve pain

Trade NamesTrade Names

Some commonly used Some commonly used Medications are:Medications are:

LexaproLexapro ProzacProzac Celexa Celexa

Pros and ConsPros and Cons

Pros:Pros: They are fast actingThey are fast acting Can treat the sufferer to alternative Can treat the sufferer to alternative

treatments such as exercise, diet, and treatments such as exercise, diet, and therapytherapy

Cons:Cons: Trial and error of fiding a medication Trial and error of fiding a medication

that worksthat works Unwanted side effectsUnwanted side effects

Side EffectsSide Effects

Short term effects:Short term effects: Reduced pain and anxietyReduced pain and anxiety Feeling of well-beingFeeling of well-being Lowered inhibitionsLowered inhibitions Slowed pulse and breathingSlowed pulse and breathing Lowered blood pressureLowered blood pressure Poor concentrationPoor concentration

Long term effects: Long term effects: ConfusionConfusion FatigueFatigue Impaired coordinationImpaired coordination Respiratory depression and arrestRespiratory depression and arrest AddictionAddiction

InteractionsInteractions

Alcohol; using depressants with alcohol Alcohol; using depressants with alcohol can slow both the heart and breathing can slow both the heart and breathing and may lead to death. When combined and may lead to death. When combined with alcohol, the effects of depressant with alcohol, the effects of depressant drugs are seriously increaseddrugs are seriously increased

Other drugs; Depressants should not be Other drugs; Depressants should not be used with over the counter drugs or any used with over the counter drugs or any other substance that causes central other substance that causes central nervous system depression.nervous system depression.

How is it How is it administered?administered? Depressants are taken orally. For Depressants are taken orally. For

example one pill is taken after a example one pill is taken after a meal or a dr. prescribes the pill to meal or a dr. prescribes the pill to be taken twice a daybe taken twice a day

Five RightsFive Rights

Right patientRight patient Right Time Right Time Right dosageRight dosage Right drugRight drug Right route of admin.Right route of admin. Right documentationRight documentation

Facts Facts

Depressants are used more often Depressants are used more often as drug to get a “high” from as drug to get a “high” from rather than treating depression.rather than treating depression.

SourcesSources

www.encyclopedia.com/deprssantwww.encyclopedia.com/deprssant.aspx.aspx

www.Medicinenet.com/depressionwww.Medicinenet.com/depressionmedicationsmedications

www.Theantidrug.com/depressantwww.Theantidrug.com/depressantss