Doing so can help minimize the risk for dependence; although dependence may still occur if you take the medication for an extended period of time. Sometimes people misuse these medications intentionally, but dependence can also occur after taking these medications as prescribed for an extended period. Barbiturate use has also declined due to the risk of certain side effects. Negative effects of barbiturates include impaired memory, judgment, and coordination, along with increased feelings of irritability, paranoia, and suicidal ideation.
Understanding Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression: Symptoms, Treatment, and More
If you or someone you know is experiencing severe symptoms of CNS depression, seek medical attention immediately. Early intervention can prevent life-threatening complications and provide the necessary support for recovery. Chronic misuse of CNS depressants can lead to physical dependence, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect.
Health Challenges
Some CNS depressants, such as glutethimide (Doriden), produce anticholinergic effects as well. Early effects of GHB consist of stimulation, relaxation, euphoria, and increased energy. As time goes on, users begin to exhibit central nervous system (cns) depressants symptoms similar to alcohol intoxication, including reduced inhibitions, impaired motor coordination, and slurred speech. At high doses, toxic effects such as nausea and vomiting, slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, convulsions, coma, and respiratory failure can occur.
- The spinal cord handles nerve impulses, allowing your brain to communicate with the rest of your body.
- At high doses, toxic effects such as nausea and vomiting, slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, convulsions, coma, and respiratory failure can occur.
- GABA and benzodiazepine receptors are located in most synapses throughout the brain.
- Δ-opioid agonists can produce respiratory depression at very high doses; at lower doses, they have the opposite effect.
Lifestyle Quizzes
Other depressants can include drugs like Xanax (a benzodiazepine) and a number of opioids. Gabapentinoids like gabapentin and pregabalin are depressants and have anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effects. Most anticonvulsants, like lamotrigine and phenytoin, are depressants. Carbamates, such as meprobamate, are depressants that are similar to barbiturates. Anesthetics are generally depressants; examples include ketamine and propofol.
Respiratory arrest, shock, cardiac arrhythmia, and neurologic injury are the most acute threats to life from poisoning. A standardized approach to initial life support is recommended (Table 178-2). The Glasgow Coma Scale was developed for trauma evaluation, and its prognostic properties do not apply to acute poisoning.
In order to minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms, doses of benzodiazepines or pentobarbital can be gradually tapered. Long-acting barbiturates, most commonly phenobarbital, can be substituted for short-acting agents and the long-acting medications are slowly withdrawn. In addition, anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine or valproate can be substituted to treat withdrawal symptoms.
Furthermore, societal pressures and the stigma surrounding mental health may drive some to turn to substances instead of seeking professional help. CNS depressants are often prescribed to treat conditions related to stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, and seizures. These medications can be safe and effective, but they do have a risk for tolerance, dependence, and overdose. CNS depressants work by increasing the activity of a neurotransmitter in your brain, called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). An increase in the activity of GABA in your brain leads to a slowdown of your brain activity. CNS depression is prevalent among people who use these substances recreationally.
Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications
People who are planning to take sedatives should first ask a doctor for possible alternatives. However, these drugs are prone to misuse and may cause severe side effects. People taking sedatives need to be cautious when using cannabis since the drug can dampen the effects of sedatives. One 2019 study suggests that people who use cannabis regularly require higher doses of sedatives. Sedatives act by increasing the activity of the brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Mild CNS depression due to prescription medication is to be expected and isn’t necessarily a problem if sedation is desired.
Benzodiazepines are not prescribed for long-term use because of their high risk of developing dependence or addiction. If someone has been on medication for a while or misused it, a doctor may look at their medical history and conduct tests to determine whether CNS depression is an accurate diagnosis. If you have anxiety or a sleep disorder your doctor may prescribe you a CNS depressant, such as a sedative, to help relieve your symptoms. People who take CNS depressants must be aware of the risks and should never share drugs or take a substance without knowing what is in it. Anyone witnessing signs of CNS depression or an overdose in another person should call the emergency services or local poison control center for guidance. These can treat seizure disorders and anxiety, but doctors rarely prescribe them nowadays.
Within the meninges the brain and spinal cord are bathed in cerebral spinal fluid which replaces the body fluid found outside the cells of all bilateral animals. Lorazepam, a benzodiazepine with antianxiety, sedative, and anticonvulsant effects, is available for oral, intramuscular, or intravenous routes of administration. Benzodiazepines are a controlled Schedule IV substance because they have a potential for abuse and may lead to dependence. Patients may experience CNS depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, GI disturbances, rashes, or some blood disorders that can be fatal.