Facts
Who are CNS depressants prescribed to?
People with sleeping problems
What are the two most important types of CNS depressants?
barbiturates and benzodiazepines
What are some treatment options for CNS depressants?
Medically supervised tapering, monitoring, psychotherapies, substance‑use care, and safety education
What plant has a naturally occurring CNS depressant?
Kava kava
How are depressants classified?
The degree of their
medical effects on the body
What are tranquilizers, sedatives, or hypnotics? (you can describe one)
CNS-depressant drugs that slow brain activity to reduce anxiety (sedatives/tranquilizers) or induce sleep (hypnotics)
What are some short-term effects of CNS depressants?
drowsiness, relaxation, slowed reflexes, impaired coordination, slurred speech, confusion, and lowered blood pressure
What's the difference between sedative and hypnotic effect?
What are some withdrawal symptoms?
anxiety, tremors,
nightmares, insomnia, anorexia, nausea,
vomiting, seizures, delirium, and maniacal
activity
What are some uses for barbiturates? (name 2)
- insomina
- anxiety
- preanesthetic
- lethal injection
What are some long term effects of CNS depressants?
tolerance, dependence, mood changes (including depression), sleep and breathing problems, and sexual dysfunction
What number is CNS depressants for abused prescription drug and sometimes contributes to death due to accidental overdoses
2nd
Where does CNS depressants act through?
GABA
What is another name for benzodiazepines?
anti-anxiety drugs
What are some types of CNS depressants?
Alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, z-drugs, gabapentinoids, muscle relaxants, and other sedatives
What was the first CNS depressant?
Benzodiazepines
What is the most common depressant?
Alcohol
50%
Benzodiazepine withdrawal can include insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, tremors, perceptual changes, and rarely seizures
Barbiturate withdrawal can be life‑threatening; medical management is essential
Who is a famous actor that died because of an accidental overdose on a CNS depressant? (he played the Joker)
Heath Ledger