Depressants, sometimes called downers, come in multicolored tablets and capsules or in liquid form. Some drugs in this category, such as Zyprexa, Seroquel and Haldol, are known as major tranquilizers or antipsychotics, as they are supposed to reduce the symptoms of mental illness. Depressants such as Xanax, Klonopin, Halcion and Librium are often referred to as benzos (short for benzodiazepines). Other depressants, such as Amytal, Numbutal and Seconal, are classed as barbiturates—drugs that are used as sedatives and sleeping pills.

DEPRESSANTS

Depressants: short-term effects

• Slow brain function
• Slowed pulse and breathing
• Lowered blood pressure
• Poor concentration
• Confusion
• Fatigue2
• Dizziness
• Slurred speech
• Fever
• Sluggishness
• Visual disturbances
• Dilated pupils
• Disorientation, lack of coordination
• Depression
• Difficulty or inability to urinate
• Addiction

Higher doses can cause impairment of memory, judgment and coordination, irritability, paranoia, and suicidal thoughts. Some people experience the opposite of the intended effect, such as agitation or aggression.

Using sedatives (drugs used to calm or soothe) and tranquilizers with other substances, particularly alcohol, can slow breathing and the heart rate and even lead to death.

Depressants: long-term effects

Tolerance to many depressants can develop rapidly, with larger doses needed to achieve the same effect. The user, trying to reach the same high, may raise the dose to a level that results in coma or death by overdose.

Long-term use of depressants can produce depression, chronic fatigue, breathing difficulties, sexual problems and sleep problems. As a dependency on the drug increases, cravings, anxiety or panic are common if the user is unable to get more.

Withdrawal symptoms include insomnia, weakness and nausea. For continual and high-dose users, agitation, high body temperature, delirium, hallucinations and convulsions can occur. Unlike withdrawal from most drugs, withdrawal from depressants can be life-threatening.

These drugs can also increase the risk of high blood sugar, diabetes, and weight gain (instances of up to 100 pounds have been reported).

In a study conducted by USA Today, based on Food and Drug Administration data over a four-year period, antipsychotics (a type of depressant) were the prime suspects in forty-five deaths caused by heart problems, choking, liver failure and suicide.

1. benzodiazepine: a tranquilizer that acts to relax muscles and calm mental excitement.
2. fatigue: extreme physical or mental tiredness.
3. paranoia: suspicion, distrust or fear of other people.

Brand Names Xanax Valium Halcion Librium Ativan Klonopin Amytal Nembutal Seconal Phenobarbital

Street Names Barbs Candy Downers Phennies Reds Red Birds Sleeping pills Tooies Tranks Yellows Yellow Jackets

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ROHYPNOL

Rohypnol is a tranquilizer about ten times more potent than Valium. The drug is available as a white or olive-green pill and is usually sold in the manufacturer’s bubble packaging. Users crush the pills and snort the powder, sprinkle it on marijuana and smoke it, dissolve it in a drink or inject it.

ROHYPNOL EFFECTS

Rohypnol has been used to commit sexual assaults because it renders the victim incapable of resisting, giving it the reputation of a “date-rape” drug.

Rohypnol users often describe its effects as “paralyzing.” The effects start twenty to thirty minutes after taking the drug, peak within two hours and may persist for eight or even twelve hours. A person can be so incapacitated (made unable to act) they collapse. They lie on the floor, eyes open, able to observe events but completely unable to move. Afterwards, memory is impaired and they cannot recall any of what happened.

The person experiences loss of muscle control, confusion, drowsiness and amnesia.  Rohypnol is sold in Europe and Latin America as a sleeping pill, but it is illegal in the United States.

BRAND NAME Rohypnol

STREET NAMES Forget-me pill; Mexican Valium;  R2 Roche; Roofies; Roofinol; Rope; Rophies;

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OPIOIDS AND MORPHINE DERIVATIVES

Opioids are drugs that act on the nervous system to relieve pain. Continued use and abuse can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. They come in tablets, capsules or liquid.

Some of the well-known brand and street names:

BRAND NAMES Fiorional with Codeine;  Robitussin A-C;  Tylenol with Codeine; Empirin with Codeine; Roxanol; Duramorph; Demerol;

STREET NAMES Captain Cody; Cody; Schoolboy; Doors & Fours; Pancakes & Syrup; Loads; M; Miss Emma; Monkey; White Stuff; Demmies; Pain killer; 

SHORT-TERM EFFECTS

Short-term effects of opioids and morphine derivatives include:

• Drowsiness
• Slowed breathing
• Constipation
• Unconsciousness
• Nausea
• Coma

LONG-TERM EFFECTS

Continued use or abuse of opioids can result in physical dependence and addiction. The body adapts to the presence of the drug and withdrawal symptoms occur if use is reduced or stopped. These include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, and cold flashes with goose bumps (“cold turkey”). Tolerance can also occur, meaning that long-term users must increase their doses to achieve the same high.