CNS Depressants: Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines
Written by: Peter Maplethorpe
The name ‘CNS depressants’ is short for Central Nervous System depressants; they are commonly referred to as ‘downers’. CNS depressants are classified into two categories, barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Both are prescribed as a medication to treat mental disorders; such as, anxiety, depression, and sleeping disorders. A CNS depressant slows the normal functioning of the brain and the central nervous system. Certain types of CNS depressants can actually act as an anesthetic or sedative.
Throughout the world CNS depressants are used properly for mental disorders; but they are also commonly abused. Due to the availability and the affordability of CNS depressants, they are commonly misused; this can lead to addiction.
CNS Depressants and The Brain
CNS depressants affect the brains neurotransmitter gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA). These neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that allow communication between cells of the brain. When the ‘GABA’ is increased, the brains activity is decreased. This causes drowsiness and can also cause a calming or euphoric effect in the user. CNS depressants normally begin to work thirty minutes to one hour after the user ingests the medication.
The effects of both types of CNS depressants include, but are not limited to, reduced anxiety, fatigue, lowered inhibitions, poor concentration, and slowed breathing.
Two Types of CNS Depressants
There are two types of CNS depressants: barbiturates and benzodiazepines. The differences are based on their chemical makeup and pharmacology.
Barbiturates
The prescription names for some barbiturates include: Mebaral, Nembutal and Seconal. On the street barbiturates may be called; ‘barbs’, ‘reds’, and ‘yellows’. They are commonly swallowed or injected into the user. Barbiturates provide relief for sleeping disorders, tension, and anxiety. These medications have been used for over 100 years in the western world.
Barbiturates have mostly been replaced with benzodiazepines as they have a less chance of overdose. However, barbiturates are still commonly used as an anesthetic in surgeries as well as treatment for those suffering from Epilepsy and migraines. If taken on a regular basis a tolerance can develop and the user may need to take more of the medication in order to feel the same effects. This type of CNS depressant can lead to a physical and psychological dependence and addiction.
The psychological addiction to barbiturates is said to develop rather quickly in a frequent user. A user who develops a tolerance to this medication can experience heavy withdrawal symptoms. It is common for users of barbiturates, over the age of 65, to suffer from added harmful side effects and/or an addiction because as the body ages the body has a harder time getting rid of the drug.
Benzodiazepines
Types of benzodiazepines include: Xanax, Valium, and Halcion. Street names for these medications include ‘benzo’, ‘tranks’, ‘downers’, and ‘candy’. It is most common for the user to swallow the medication; however, sometimes they are crushed and snorted. This medication is used for short term relief of sleeping disorders, muscle spasms, anxiety, panic attacks, migraines, and stress. Benzodiazepines were developed in the late 1950′s and are usually only prescribed for short term use.
Benzodiazepine medications are prescribed for short term use and are used to treat anxiety, insomnia, alcohol withdrawal, and other mental illnesses. Even with short term use, a user can experience increased aggression and cognitive impairments. A person who takes this medication is prone to developing a tolerance, an addiction, and even experience serious withdrawal symptoms when quitting.
Dependence of benzodiazepines can be physical and psychological. When this type of medication is used long term, the original mental disorder may worsen and serious cognitive impairments and depression may occur. Although benzodiazepines are much less dangerous than barbiturates, overdose can still occur. As with barbiturates, elderly people are more at risk for suffering from health consequences with short and long term use. Elderly people may experience dementia, day time sedation, depression, and injuries due to lack of coordination.
A person who is under the influence of a benzodiazepine medication may experience a lack of coordination, drowsiness, dizziness, and more negative effects.
Both Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines Are Highly Addictive
Both types of CNS depressants are highly addictive and should only be taken for short term use and through the advice of a doctor. If you are addicted to CNS depressants or know someone who is then we are here to help, contact us immediately.
