Central nervous system, or CNS, depressants are drugs that physiologically depress activities of the brain that control vital processes in the body. The role of CNS depressants, according to Drugs.Com, is to decrease breathing function and heart rate. This occurs when the drug activates gamma aminobutryic acid--a brain chemical referred to as GABA--floods the brain, producing a sedative or tranquil effect. Types of CNS depressants include synthetic and natural medications.
Barbiturates
Barbiturates are chemically manufactured sedatives and generally prescribed for the treatment of anxiety, tension or sleep disturbance. National Institutes on Drug Abuse suggest that these drugs have an extremely high potential for abuse--despite their many benefits. When an individual starts taking a barbiturate, they experience the sedation and tranquil effects immediately and in lower doses. Tolerance and dependence develop, however, and the individual requires more of the drug to experience the same sedating and tranquil effects. This is where the drug use becomes too dangerous and overdose is probable. This medication is meant for short-term use and persistent conditions under the strict supervision of the treating physician.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are chemically manufactured CNS depressant tranquilizers that are generally used to treat anxiety, acute stress disorder and panic disorder. Thagard Health Center describes these drugs as having a highly sedative effect and include Valium and Xanax--popular among prescribers in previous decades. Other drugs such as Halcion or ProSom are considered heavy tranquilizers that are prescribed in rare cases of drug-resistant sleep disorders on a short-term basis.
Natural CNS Depressants
Natural CNS depressants such as alcohol and morphine are derivatives of fruits and plants and are the most commonly used drugs today. Alcohol is widely abused and delivered via beverages such as beer, wine, liquor, liqueurs and mixed cocktails. The Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education posits that the short-term effects of alcohol include depressed heart rate, slower respiration, decreased muscles control, loss of taste or smell, short attention span, memory deficits, disordered sleep, sexual dysfunction and vision problems. Long-term effects can lead to many medical conditions.
Morphine, however, is generally prescribed for acute and chronic pain experienced in terminally ill patients in palliative care. According to the Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education, morphine is delivered via pills, injections or intravenous drip forms under the guidance of a licensed health professional.
