Prescription Depressants
Depressants, or downers, are often prescribed by doctors to treat a variety of health conditions including anxiety and panic attacks, tension, acute
stress reactions, and sleep disorders. When given in high doses, depressants may act as anesthesia.1
Often referred to as sedatives and tranquilizers, depressants are substances that can slow normal brain function.2 Most depressants reduce brain function
through a neurotransmitter called gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a chemical that enables communication between brain cells.
While different depressants work in unique ways, they produce a drowsy or calming effect that can help those suffering from anxiety or sleep disorders.3
Because they can produce a state of intoxication, they have a high potential for abuse.4
Examples of Depressants
Barbiturates are a type of depressant often prescribed to promote sleep.5
Benzodiazepines are a type of depressant prescribed to relieve anxiety.6
Check out an extended list of these drugs 
and their street names.
Are Teens Abusing Depressants?
Depressants such as sedatives and tranquilizers have been growing in popularity among teens. In 2007, six percent of high school seniors reported abusing
depressants including Valium and Xanax, compared to four percent in 1995.7
Signs and Symptoms
Depressants have the potential for abuse and should be used only as prescribed.
Be on the lookout for these side effects:
- Physical side effects include dilated pupils and slurred speech; relaxed muscles; intoxication; loss of motor coordination; fatigue, respiratory
depression; sensory alteration; and lowered blood pressure.8 Teens taking barbiturates may exhibit side effects such as slurred speech, dizziness,
sedation, drowsiness, and fever.9
- Psychological side effects include poor concentration or feelings of confusion; impaired judgment; and lowered inhibitions.10 Teens on barbiturates
may experience depression, fatigue, confusion, and irritability.11
If you have observed any of the symptoms or side effects listed above, contact a medical professional immediately.
Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, muscle tremors, and loss of appetite. Going "cold-turkey" off of some depressants can have life-threatening
complications, cause convulsions, delirium, and in rare instances, death.12
Because all depressants work by slowing the brain's activity, when someone stops taking them, the brain's activity can rebound and race out of control,
possibly leading to seizures and other serious consequences.13
Symptoms including shallow breathing, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma, or death.
Interactions with Depressants
Depressant abuse is often combined with the use of other drugs like alcohol, other prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and street drugs like
marijuana.
Combining these substances can be highly dangerous:
Alcohol. Using depressants with alcohol can slow both the heart and breathing and may lead to death.14 When combined with alcohol, the effects and risks
of depressants are seriously increased.
Prescription drugs. Some interactions with other drugs can be risky. Depressants should be used in combination with other medications only under a
physician's close supervision.15
Over-the-counter drugs. Depressants should not be combined with any other medication or substance that causes central nervous system depression,
including some over-the-counter cold and allergy medications.16 Doing so may slow the heart and breathing, a serious health risk.
Street or Slang Terms for Depressants
Benzos, xanies, xani-bars, xani-bombs, and roofies are commonly used terms to refer to depressants.
Check out an extended list of these drugs and their street names.
Next: Stimulant Abuse
