Depressants

Are substances that decrease or slow down CNS activity

Doses:

Low doses -> calming effect on the body & mind

High doses -> slowing down the heart rate & brain activity to dangerously low levels

ALCOHOL

SEDATIVES

OPIOIDS (NARCOTICS)

Increases GABA activity

If taken during pregnancy, can destroy the developing neurons in a fetal brain -> learning disabilities, poor judgement, or mental retardation

Suppresses higher social regulatory functions -> suppressed inhibitions

Heavy consumption -> blackouts, increased risk of throat or liver cancer, fat accumulation which blocks blood to the live, loss of brain tissue

Cirrhosis - accumulation of nonfunctional scar tissue in the liver

Binge drinking - (men) 5 drinks in a row, (women) 4 “

Increases GABA activity

If taken during pregnancy, can destroy the developing neurons in a fetal brain -> learning disabilities, poor judgement, or mental retardation

Create feeling of stupor

Low doses -> slowed heart rate, relaxed muscles & mind

Barbiturates:

Benzodiazepines

Secobarbital (Seconal)

Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Diazepam (Valium)

Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)

Low doses -> create feeling of pain relief; decrease CNS activity, slow down (heart rate, respiration, digestion, coughing)

High doses -> intense euphoria

Naturally derived:

Morphine

Partially synthetic:

Heroin

Hydrocodone (Vicodin)

Oxycodone (Percocet or Percodan)

Synthetic:

Codeine