Central Nervous System Depressant - Research Paper Example

CNS Depressants In MLA Style Full 2 Central Nervous System Depressants or CNS Depressants mostly act on the brain which affects the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid or (GABA). Although different types of CNS Depressant may act in differently from one another, their major role is to decrease the brain activity through the neurotransmitters of the brain which is responsible for the communication of brain cells. In spite of the benefits people get from these depressants, they can be very addictive so it is advised to take them as prescribed. http://www.nida.nih.gov/researchreports/prescription/prescription3.html Different Types of Depressants Alcohol One of the most commonly used drugs as a depressant is alcohol. The generic term “alcohol” comes in different street names such as; booze, brew or brewsky, hooch, forty (short for forty-ouncer), etc. Adolescents use different terms for alcohol, depending on the mixture, origin or sometimes depending on their minds creativity. This liquid drug increases the drinkers risk-taking behavior, allowing them to do things they can’t usually do without the influence of it. As it falls under CNS depressants, it has a calming effect to those who drink it and can help them relax and fall asleep. Abuse of this substance may lead to bad judgments, which leads to risky habitual behaviors and sometimes, to death. Other short-term effects of this substance are as follows: Last Name 3 Anaemia or loss of red blood cells Red, blotchy skin Skin acne problems Loss of consciousness Diarrhea Slow mental process which causes slow reflexes http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/alcohol-abuse/default.htm Aside from these short-term effects, the long-term effects of alcohol are malnutrition, ulcers, gastritis, pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, weakening of the bones and muscle fiber, hypertension (on some alcoholic drinks), dependence on the substance, etc. The most common alcoholic beverage is beer since it is the most commonly offered in the market due to its affordable price. Its price varies from where it is purchased. People who normally abuse this substance are generally adolescent males either due to peer pressure or depression. (Henderson, 2005, p 72) Barbiturates A barbiturate is another type of CNS depressant that belongs to a large class of hypnotic drugs. It is primarily used as a lid sedative and general anesthesia. In some cases, it is used to treat some types of epilepsy since it attacks the neurotransmitters of the brain which is responsible to brain cell communication. This depressant decreases the activity of the brain, which affects the coordination of body reflexes that aids the decrease of epileptic attacks. The most common types of this family of drug are phenobarbital, pentobarbital, amobarbital, secobarbital, butalbital and some others. Each of these has different formulations and dosages that vary depending on the Last Name 4 severity of the patient’s condition. Street names for barbiturates are as follows: Nembies for Nembutal (Pentobarbitone) Seggies for Seconal Sodium (Quinalbarbitone) Chewies for Tuinal (Quinalbarbitone and Amylobarbitone) Purple hearts or goof balls (Phenobarbital) http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/barbiturate-abuse Other common street names for barbiturates are barbs or barbies, downers, sleepers, reds or red devils and yellow devils. These drugs used to be common in the drugs scene but due to increased number of fatal accidents, it has been replaced with tranquilizers. Due to its effect to patients, it used to be largely prescribed to calm patients down, and in large amounts, can take insomniac patients to sleep. It is very effective in decreasing one’s mental activity which can really help people who are having difficulties sleeping and help people with anxiety and tension. (Henderson, 2005, p 48) But due to drug abuse and misuse, just like any other drug that has a high risk of mishandling; most doctors replaced their prescriptions. Misuse of barbiturates can be extremely fatal since the lethal dose is too close to the normal. The most common short term effect of this drug is death. Other long-term effects are depression, extreme mood swings, intense tiredness, etc. In most cases, barbiturates are taken orally but it also comes in vials and is administered through injection. It is not a wide practice to prescribe such substance anymore so manufacturing is no longer on a large scale. Although the price of this drug is unknown, it costs much to those who purchase it illegally. This downer is normally Last Name 5 abused by people who suffer from anxiety and insomnia. Rohypnol Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam produced by La Roche) is a potent tranquilizing drug, from the class of Valium (Benzodiazepine) that is widely known for its street name, “roofies.” This drug is legally available over 60 countries in Europe and Latin America and is generally used as a preoperative anesthesia. It is in low doses a muscle relaxant and a sedative. Due to its known effects, this substance is very effective for surgical operations but can be very harmful so it is only acquired through prescription (outside US). Sedation occurs within the first 30 minutes after ingestion and can impair a person from 8-12 hours per mg. http://women.webmd.com/date-rape-drugs According to studies, harmful effects of rohypnol include extremely lowered blood pressure, dizziness, visual disturbances and aggressive behavior to some. Being a very dangerous drug if misused, this Mexican Valium, 10 times more potent than Diazepam (Valium), can be fatal when taken with alcohol. Just like other drugs that are focused on the GABA in the brain, like opiates, dependence can distort the natural performance of the body due to it being artificial, and may cause numbness, muscle pains, extremely lowered blood pressure, gastrointestinal disturbances, confusion and even seizures. This drug can be bought for as low as $5 per pill, usually 1-2 mg a pill, which is the reason behind its tag “cheap high.” Another street name for this pill is “the date rape drug.” Most common users of this drug are teenagers, young adults and those who participate in “date raping.” (Henderson, 2005, p 153-158) Valium Valium (Diazepam) is a drug that belongs to a family of drugs called Benzodiazepams. Just like other CNS depressants, it focuses on the GABA in the brain that slows down brain activity. Thus, Last Name 6 it is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, muscles spasms and sometimes, even seizures. (Henderson, 2005, p 312) It can be very addictive and habit-forming so it is advised to take it as prescribed by the physician. Misuse of Valium may cause mild and serious side effects to the patient. Some not so serious effects are irritability, muscle weakness, constipation, drowsiness, vision impairment, itching and some others. Though these effects may not seem so serious, there are other more serious effects if this drug when abused. These are as follows: Hallucinations or unusual thoughts Depression, thoughts of suicide or risky behavior Acquired seizures or worsening of existing seizures Loss of bladder control http://www.drugs.com/valium.html Street names of Valium are blues, ludes and drunk pills. Its prices range from $2.99-$5.97/pill depending whether it is brand or generic. http://www.alloavrilletaxis.com/valium/pricelist Since Valium can be purchased over the counter, it can be abused by anyone and can be misused by those who have been prescribed with. Habit-forming as it is, following the doctor’s prescription is a must to avoid serious effects to the body. People who normally abuse this drug are those who mistake it to cure depression due to its calming effects. CNS depressants can be fatal when taken with any substance that causes sleepiness like alcohol and other depressants. Discontinuing of prolonged use of these drugs, especially of high dosages, may cause withdrawal syndrome. Due to their habit-forming nature, abrupt discontinuance of these drugs may cause the brain’s activity to rebound that may lead to seizures. Works Cited http://www.nida.nih.gov/researchreports/prescription/prescription3.html Sutton, Amy L. Alcoholism Sourcebook: Basic Consumer Health Information About Alcohol Use, Abuse, and Dependence, Featuring Facts About the Physical, Mental, and Social Health Effects of Alcohol Addiction, Including Alcoholic Liver Disease, Pancreatic Disease, Cardiovascular Disease, Neurological Disorders, and the Effects of Drinking During Pregnancy; Along with Information About Alcohol Treatment, Medications, and Recovery Programs, in Addition to Tips for Reducing the Prevalence of Underage Drinking, Statistics About Alcohol Use, a Glossary of Related Terms, and Directories of Resources for More Help and Information. Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics, 2007. Print. http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/alcohol-abuse/default.htm Henderson, Harry. Drug Abuse. New York: Facts On File, 2005. Print. http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/barbiturate-abuse http://women.webmd.com/date-rape-drugs http://www.drugs.com/valium.html http://www.alloavrilletaxis.com/valium/pricelist Read More