Depressants are drugs that affect the performance of the central nervous system. They can be described as psychoactive drugs which temporarily weaken the normal brain performance and central nervous system. Because of their impacts these drugs are also referred to as downers. Depressant are normally prescribed to cure anxiety or insomnia symptoms but can be very harmful as well. Initial side effects comprise slurred speech, dizziness and loss of coordination. Depressant overdose can be lethal

Legal Depressants

Alcohol - Alcohol is the most general legal depressant. There are different types of alcohol such as beer, wine and liquor. Alcohol acts a psychoactive drug that weakens attention and reduces reaction speed. Alcohol overdose affects the brain resulting in slurred speech, clumsiness and delayed reflexes. Other physiological impacts include altered insight of space and time, weakened psychomotor skills, affecting balance. Instant effects of alcohol intoxication include spurred speech, sleep problems, nausea and vomiting. Eve when you consume low doses, alcohol impairs judgment and coordination considerably.

Barbiturates - This group of drugs is also known as sedative-hypnotics. They help in sleep disorders and reduce anxiety. Barbiturates generate impacts ranging mild sedation to entire anesthesia. They can be injected directly into veins and muscles but regularly taken in pill form. Signs of intoxication comprise respiratory depression, low blood pressure, exhaustion, fever, strange excitement, irritability and seizures. The major risk of intoxication is respiratory depression. Other impacts of barbiturate overdoes include drowsiness, slurred speech and loss of inhibitions.

Benzodiazephine - This is a prescription drug used to treat anxiety problems, alcohol withdrawal signs or muscle spasm. It is at times applied with other medicines to cure seizures. The most common Benzoz include xanax, activan and valium. Avoid taking more than the prescribed amount. Benzodiazephine overdose can be dangerous. It can be very addictive. Avoid sharing it with other people, particularly a person with a drug abuse background.

Illegal Depressants

Inhalants - Inhalants normally include volatile substances that produce fumes or vapors at room temperature. They include glue, paint thinner o hair spray. They have the same effects as alcohol.

Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid - GHB is also known as “the date rape drug” GHB has a very fast onset and is swiftly removed from the body system. This is an illegal depressant regularly used to drug victims before sexually assaulting them because of its sedative components. Its effects include nausea, amnesia, drowsiness or coma.

Opiates and Opioids

Opiates are contained in opium. The most active opiates are morphine, codeine and thebaine which are legal when prescribed or administered by medical personnel. Semi-artificial opiod like heroin and oxycodone are produced from these substances too. Opiates are injected, smoked or snorted into the body system. Temporary effects of opiate overdose include of a surge of euphoria paired with a warm flushing of the skin, and dry mouth. After the first euphoria, abusers alternate between a wakeful and drowsy condition. Mental operations become clouded becomes of central nervous system depression.

Marijuana, Cannabis - This drug is normally smoked in a similar way like to a cigarette. Marijuana side effects include; memory and understanding problems, deformed perception, problem with thinking and solving issues, loss of coordination, nervousness, fear, seizures and intensified heart rate.