Posts Tagged central nervous system depressants

Commonly Abused Prescription and OTC Drugs: Depressants

Posted by Drug Free in Other Addictions on January 2nd, 2011

Depressants are drugs that slow the brain’s function, and are normally prescribed to relieve anxiety or encourage sleep. From a clinical standpoint, depressants can be very helpful to the people who need them; these drugs become a way for these patients to somehow get their lives back and lead healthier, happier lives. Unfortunately, depressants are among the drugs that are subject to abuse. These drugs are sometimes used by people who do not need them – or needed them once, but do not need them anymore.

pillsWhat depressants are usually being abused? A feature on WebMD also shows us photos of these drugs.

Barbiturates. Examples of barbiturates include Phenobarbital, Mebaral, Seconal and Nembutal. While these drugs are helpful when taken as prescribed, they can be addictive. If they are taken in conjunction with certain drugs or with alcohol, it can bring about a slowing of the heart and of breathing, which can be fatal. Common slang words for barbiturates are “barbs,” “reds,” red birds,” “phennies,” “tooies,” “yellows,” and “yellow jackets.”

Benzodiazepines. Valium and Xanax both fall under this type of depressant; these are drugs that are normally prescribed to treat anxiety, acute stress reactions, panic attacks, convulsions, and sleep disorders. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) noted that withdrawal from benzodiazepines is potentially “problematic,” but not usually life-threatening.

Sleep medicines. Newer sleep medicines called nonbenzodiazepines include the drugs Ambien, Sonata and Lunesta. According to NIDA, sleep medicines are not as addictive as other depressants; we realize, however, that based on the various news reports that we encounter on a daily basis, these drugs are among the more commonly abused medicines.

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Addiction to Prescription Drugs is on the rise

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Prescription Drug Abuse on July 20th, 2009

The untimely death of pop star Michael Jackson has once again raised the question “Are prescription drugs beneficial or harmful for health?” I believe that a majority of people will speak for the motion. But a few, like me who have had the opportunity to know the reality, will speak against it. Yes, addiction to prescription drugs is scaling up.

Such drugs are definitely useful when used as directed by the physician. But often they are misused – taken in larger doses.

A survey conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in 2007 has shown that around 15% of the US high school students abuse prescription drugs. Addiction to such drugs is prevalent mostly among young adults between 18 – 25 years who are unaware of the inherent danger.

The causes are easy availability and a common belief that such drugs are not harmful since they have been prescribed by doctors. “A safe way to get the high” said a senior student.

3 groups of prescribed drugs are generally abused –

• Opioids prescribed for relieving pain e.g. Morphine like Kodian and Avinza, Oxycodone like OxyContin and Percocet.

• Central Nervous System depressants that are used for treating anxiety, sleeplessness, e.g., Barbiturates like Mebaral and Nembutal, Benzodiazepines like Valium and Xanax.

• Stimulants that are prescribed to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), obesity, narcolepsy e.g. Detroamphetamine like Dexedrine and Adderall, Methylphenidate like Ritalin and Concerta.

So please be aware of prescribed drugs. Keep in mind the fine line that differentiates between using and abusing such drugs. Remember they are as dangerous as illegal drugs like brown sugar since they are highly addictive and dangerous. Consult a doctor immediately if you feel that someone in your family is abusing prescription drugs.

Take the Tour: http://www.theantidrug.com/drug_info/prescription_dangerZones.asp

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