According to the National Institute of Health, a 2003 study found that 15 million Americans used prescription drugs for nonmedical reasons at least once during the year. Medications prescribed for anxiety or sleep problems depress the central nervous system and decrease blood pressure. These sedatives or tranquilizers are dangerous when misused, the Health Institute notes. Barbiturates and benzodiazepines, common forms of prescribed depressants, can be addictive and dangerous if misused.
Central Nervous System Depressants
The Florida State University Department of Health Promotion and Nutrition Services reports that central nervous system depressants disrupt normal brain function. The central nervous system is the body's message center, regulating heart and respiratory rates and depressing brain activity. Sedative agents prescribed to decrease disruptive stress reactions result in altered brain activity. This change in brain chemistry reduces muscle reaction and emotional inhibition responses. Although these barbiturates and benzodiazepines help people with anxiety and sleep disruption, misuse can have serious side effects. Barbiturates treat anxiety and tension; benzodiazepines treat acute stress reactions and short-term sleep disorders. These chemicals prescribed at varying dosages can be lethal when misused. If these sedative agents are abruptly discontinued after prolonged use, or in conjunction with other depressants such as alcohol, states the University's Health Promotion program, depressants can cause severe addiction withdrawal and seizures.
Non-prescription Depressant Misuse
Non-prescription depressants such as alcohol and marijuana impair and reduce short-term memory and comprehension, lessen inhibitions and reduce driving reaction times. At higher doses with greater frequency of use, these depressants cause respiratory depression and death as reported by the University of Oregon Education Department. Tobacco also has sedative qualities and causes addiction withdrawal, emphysema and chronic lung damage. The abuse of these depressants in addition to a poor diet and prolonged use can liver damage, sperm motility impairment and lung functions. Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause low fetal birth weight and infant death, advises the University of Oregon
Effects of Prescription Drug Misuse
The National Institute of Drug Abuse advises that the effects of prescription drug abuse include depression, fatigue, dizziness, poor judgment, impaired coordination, urinary retention, memory loss, slowed pulse and breathing impairment. The Institute also notes that some depressants can lead to an increase in sexual assaults in that they greater reduce awareness and even unconsciousness. Binghamton University notes that benzodiazepines are often known as the "date-rape drug." In addition, misuse of these depressants might increase anxiety and sleep disorder symptoms for which they were prescribed.
Health Risks Associated With Misuse or Abuse
Binghamton University reports that toxic central nervous system effects are evident in chronic high-dose abuse of benzodiazepines, including memory impairment, depression, headaches, confusion, over-sedation, confusion and physical dependence. The university notes that abuse of benzodiazepines is well-documented and often occurs as a pattern of heroin or cocaine abuse. Abusers use depressants to enhance the effects of other medications or alter the side effects of over stimulation. They advise that with greater dependence tremors and weakness are present during withdrawal and can cause seizures and delirium. Withdrawal from depressants, unlike other forms of drug abuse, can be life-threatening because of depressant effects on the brain and organ systems.
Expert Insight
The National Institute of Health's Drug Abuse research indicates that despite the benefits of barbiturates and benzodiazepines, these medications have a high potential for abuse and should only be taken as prescribed. Initially, the Institute notes, these depressants can cause sleepiness, but when the body adapts to these side effects. a larger dose might be needed to achieve the same effects. Misuse of these sedative agents in this way slows the brain's activity. Brain activity rebounds and races out of control when a patient attempts to stop the abuse of the medication. This rebound effect leads to seizures and life-threatening complications.
