POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 81 CNS depressants are medications used to slow down or “depress” the functions of the brain and central nervous system (CNS). As they work, CNS depressants create a sedative effect and can also cause drowsiness. Because of the effect they have on important brain activities, CNS depressants should only be used when prescribed by a doctor or other healthcare professional. WHAT ARE CNS DEPRESSANTS USED FOR? CNS depressants are prescribed by doctors or other healthcare professionals to treat anxiety and stress-related conditions. They are also effective for bringing relief to people with disorders that prevent them from sleeping. There are two main classifications, or groups, of CNS depressants: Barbiturates give relief from anxiety, tension, sleeping difficulties, and seizures; they have been used to treat these conditions for over 100 years. Benzodiazepines, developed in the late 1950s, are used in cases of anxiety, stress, muscle spasms, and to provide short-term relief for sleep disorders. CNS depressants and some other prescription medications have known effects and side effects. Three of these effects occur normally even when these medications are taken properly. Tolerance and physical dependance, for example, can develop in people taking these medications. If the medication is reduced or stopped abruptly, withdrawal symptoms can be experienced. Prescription CNS depressants, when used appropriately under the care of a doctor or other healthcare professional, are safe and effective with relatively few side effects. If you are prescribed this medication to treat a condition, be sure to talk to your parents and your doctor or other healthcare professional if you experience any side effects. HOW DO CNS DEPRESSANTS WORK? Chemicals in the body called neurotrans mitters help control the way the brain functions. CNS depressants increase the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The effect of this increase is that brain activity is slowed down, causing a calming feeling, or drowsiness, or even sleep. Dosage size is an important factor with depressant usage. Too large a dose can seriously disrupt breathing and circulation, “slowing them down” to dangerous levels. That’s just one of the reasons why CNS depressants should never be used unless prescribed for you by a doctor or other healthcare professional. WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF CNS DEPRESSANTS? It takes a while for the body to adapt or get used to CNS depressants. The side effects are similar to what happens when someone has too much to drink (alcohol is a CNS depressant, too). At first, even if you take a CNS depressant as prescribed, it can cause slurred speech, sleepiness, dizziness and loss of coordination, which explains why some medications come with a warning to avoid driving a car, using tools or operating heavy machinery. The most serious side effects are decreased breathing and decreased heart rate, which can lead to death. It’s also why, as with all prescription medications, you should only take them as prescribed and only take them as directed. CNS DEPRESSANTS MISUSE WHAT IS MISUSE OF CNS DEPRESSANTS? Many people are surprised to find out they’re misusing prescription medications. They may take a little more than prescribed — or a little less. Or use an old prescription for a new condition — they may not realize it’s misuse, but it is. And it’s important to understand that any misuse can turn a safe prescription medication into a dangerous drug. About CNS Depressants (continued...)
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