Transcript depressants

Lecture 3
 Benzodiazepines
Primarily
Used
as
Tranquilizers (Anxiolytics).
 Although sleep may occur as a result of
increase of dose and progress to hypnosis and
then anesthesia.
 They replaced barbiturates in the treatment
of many disorders.
 They are not general CNS depressants.
 Uses: treat anxiety and nervousness, relax
muscles, control certain types of muscle
spasm and to treat sleep problems.

Short-acting benzodiazepines are generally used for
patients with sleep-onset insomnia (difficulty falling
asleep)
without
daytime
anxiety.
estazolam
(ProSom®), flurazepam Sleeping pills (Dalmane®),
temazepam (Restoril®), and triazolam (Halcion®).

Benzodiazepines with a longer duration of action are
utilized to treat insomnia in patients with daytime
anxiety. These benzodiazepines include alprazolam
(Xanax®), chlordiazepoxide (Librium®), clorazepate
(Tranxene®),
diazepam
(Valium®),
halazepam
(Paxipam®), lorzepam (Ativan®), oxazepam (Serax®),
prazepam (Centrax®), and quazepam (Doral®).
Clonazepam (Klonopin®), diazepam, and clorazepate
are also used as anticonvulsants.

Alprazolam and diazepam are the two most frequently
encountered benzodiazepines on the illicit market.
Short term effects

Effects include a feeling of well-being, loss of inhibition,
decreased muscle tension, reduced mental alertness and
mildly impaired coordination and balance.

High doses, paradoxical reactions such as rage, personality
changes, sleep disturbances can occur.

Side effects such as skin rashes, nausea, dizziness have been
reported. Driving motor vehicles and operating machinery
should be avoided by those taking tranquilizers.

It is particularly hazardous to take them together with
alcohol, other CNS depressants, and some antihistamines (in
cold, cough and allergy remedies).
They are seldom fatal in overdoses except when mixed with
other drugs, especially alcohol.

Long-Term Effects

Chronic abuse of benzodiazepines may result in
impairment in thinking, memory and judgement,
confusion, disorientation, and impaired motor
coordination.

Prolonged use may also lead to increased, rather
than reduced, aggressiveness in some people.

When benzodiazepines are used by pregnant
women, they cross the placenta and are distributed
to the fetus. After birth, babies exposed to
benzodiazepines in the uterus may show withdrawal
symptoms. There is some research evidence
indicating an increased risk of major malformations.
 Although
they are safer and have fewer side
effects than barbiturates, they can also
produce dependence and are generally
recommended for short'term use only.
•The term club drugs refers to synthetic drugs.
•Used at nightclubs, bars, and raves
(all-night dance parties).
•Refers to a variety of drugs used at dance clubs or
parties, i.e., “raves”
• Attractive due to these factors:
– Inexpensive
– Produce increased stamina
– Intoxicating
• Examples include: MDMA (Ecstasy)
GHB, Rohypnol and ketamine
GHB and Rohypnol are central nervous
system depressants that are often connected with
drug-facilitated sexual assault, rape, and robbery
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also known as
MDMA or Ecstasy, is a synthetic mind-altering drug
that exhibits many hallucinogenic and
amphetaminelike effects.
Ecstasy
Ecstasy enhances self-awareness and decreases
inhibitions; however, seizures, muscle breakdown,
stroke, kidney failure, and cardiovascular system
failure often accompany chronic abuse.
• Ketamine is primarily used as a veterinary
animal anesthetic that in humans causes
ketamine
euphoria and hallucinations.
• Ketamine can also cause impaired motor
functions, high blood pressure, amnesia, and
mild respiratory depression.




Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol®) is a
potent benzodiazepine.
gained popularity among younger
individuals as a "party" drug.
It has also been utilized as a
"date rape" drug.
flunitrazepam is placed in the
alcoholic
drink
of
an
unsuspecting
victim
to
incapacitate them and prevent
resistance from sexual assault.
The victim is frequently unaware
of what has happened to them
and often does not report the
incident to authorities
ALERT!!!Date Rape Danger
GHB, and any salts thereof (gammahydroxybutyrate)
liquid
ecstasy,
liquid X, grievous bodily harm,
Scoop
 GHB was originally developed as an
anaesthetic for its sedative rather
than pain-reducing properties. It has
also been used in some countries to
treat
alcohol withdrawal and narcolepsy.
 It has also been used by body
builders to stimulate muscle building
growth hormones during certain
sleep cycles.
 Can easily be made in labs for illegal
use.

Short term effects

Effects of lower doses may include :
lowered inhibitions, euphoria, calmness progressing to
drowsiness, dizziness and amnesia.

Higher doses may produce confusion, hallucinations, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, combative and self-injurious
behaviours, seizures, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness
and coma.

GHB is currently circulating at dances and raves, and is often
used in conjunction with alcohol, which increases the degree of
disinhibition and the risk of central nervous system and
respiratory depression.
GHB has been used to aid sexual assaults on women.


Withdrawal symptoms have been reported after chronic highdose use.