Depressants provide relief from anxiety, tension and stress. Doctors may also prescribe depressants for panic attacks or sleep disorders. Additionally, the drugs can help patients undergoing anesthesia. Long-term users of depressants may develop a tolerance for the drugs, putting them at a high potential for abuse. Negative effects may increase if patients mix depressants with alcohol. Like many medications, depressants have minor side effects, but serious consequences can develop with improper dosage or when using the drugs for an extended period.
Side Effects
Depressants slow brain activity to bring about a calming effect for patients. Although the drugs produce desired results for certain conditions, reducing anxiety and muscle tension, depressants may also result in speaking difficulties, impaired judgment and loss of muscle coordination, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Drowsiness and uncoordinated feelings may occur during the first few days of taking the medication, but the effects usually subside. Lowered blood pressure, fatigue and memory problems might also occur. Misuse or large doses of depressants may cause severe respiratory problems, coma or death. Infants of abusers may be born with birth defects, show signs of withdrawal symptoms and develop behavioral problems.
Overdosing
Depressants have a potential for physical dependence and addiction, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. People misusing or overdosing on depressants may suffer from low respiration rates, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak or rapid pulse, coma and death. Symptoms of misuse include intoxication effects, difficulty walking, stumbling, lack of coordination and slurred speech. People who misuse depressants can also have difficulty concentrating and may fall asleep often, even at work or during an important occasion. Addiction to depressants can cause sexual dysfunction, sleep disorders, respiratory difficulties or respiratory arrest, and fatal consequences, according to The Partnership for a Drug-Free America.
Withdrawal Syndrome
Doctors may taper off use of such depressants as benzodiazepines, used as tranquilizers, because the drugs can become addictive and may cause withdrawal symptoms. Anxiety, insomnia, muscle tremors and loss of appetite can occur. People who suddenly stop taking certain depressants may suffer serious consequences such as confusion, hallucinations, convulsions and death. These symptoms can occur even if dosage is reduced, so careful monitoring by doctors and continued contact between doctor and patient helps avoid serious consequences.
