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CNS depressants
Depressants
CNS depressants slow down normal brain
function. In higher doses, some CNS depressants can
become general anesthetics.
CNS depressants can be divided into
two groups, based on their chemistry and pharmacology:
Barbiturates, such as mephobarbital
(Mebaral) and pentobarbital sodium
(Nembutal), which are used to treat
anxiety, tension, and sleep disorders.
Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium),
chlordiazepoxide HCl (Librium), and
alprazolam (Xanax), which can be prescribed
to treat anxiety, acute stress reactions, and panic
attacks.
Benzodiazepines that have a more sedating
effect, such as triazolam (Halcion)
and estazolam (ProSom) can be prescriped
for short-term treatment of sleep disorders.
There are many CNS depressants, and
most act on the brain similarly - they affect the neurotransmitter
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Neurotransmitters are
brain chemicals that facilitate communication between
brain cells. GABA works by decreasing brain activity.
Although different classes of CNS depressants work in
unique ways, ultimately it is their ability to increase
GABA activity that produces a drowsy or calming effect.
Despite these beneficial effects for people suffering
from anxiety or sleeping disorders, barbiturates and
benzodiazepines can be addictive and should be used
only as prescribed.
CNS depressants should not be combined
with any medication or substance that causes sleepiness,
including prescription pain medicines, certain over-the-counter
cold and allergy medications, or alcohol. The effects
of the drugs can combine to slow breathing, or slow
both the heart and respiration, which can be fatal.
Discontinuing prolonged use of high
doses of CNS depressants can lead to withdrawal. Because
they work by slowing the brain's activity, a potential
consequence of abuse is that when one stops taking a
CNS depressant the brain's activity can rebound to the
point that seizures can occur. Someone thinking about
ending their use of a CNS depressant, or who has stopped
and is suffering withdrawal, should speak with a physician
and seek medical treatment.
In addition to medical supervision,
counseling in an in-patient or out-patient setting can
help people who are overcoming addiction to CNS depressants.
For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy has been used
successfully to help individuals in treatment for abuse
of benzodiazepines. This type of therapy focuses on
modifying a patient's thinking, expectations, and behaviors
while simultaneously increasing their skills for coping
with various life stressors.
Often the abuse of CNS depressants occurs
in conjunction with the abuse of another substance or
drug, such as alcohol or cocaine. In these cases of
polydrug abuse, the treatment approach needs to address
the multiple addictions.
Source: NAIDA
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