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Chapter 7

Chapter 7. Depressants and Inhalants. Depressants. Most widely-used and abused drugs in the U.S Is popular for its stress and anxiety relieving properties. History. Before Barbiturates: Chloral hydrate was first synthesized in1832 but not used clinically until 1870– for sleep

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Chapter 7

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  1. Chapter 7 Depressants and Inhalants

  2. Depressants • Most widely-used and abused drugs in the U.S • Is popular for its stress and anxiety relieving properties

  3. History • Before Barbiturates: • Chloral hydrate was first synthesized in1832 but not used clinically until 1870– for sleep • Paraldehyde was first synthesized in1829 but not used clinically until 1882 – very safe – very, very bad taste and odor • Bromides – to induce sleep in the 19th century, used until 1960s in OTC meds

  4. History • In the 1950s the first benzodiazepines were marketed as substitutes for barbiturates • Relatively safe when used for short periods • Long-term use can cause dependence and withdrawal problems

  5. Effects of CNS Depressants • CNS depressants reduce CNS activity and diminish the brain’s level of awareness • Depressant drugs include: • Benzodiazepines • Barbiturate-like drugs • Alcohol • Antihistamines • Opioid narcotics like heroin • GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate)

  6. Types of CNS Depressants • Benzodiazepines: Valium-Type drugs • Prescribed for anxiety and sleep • Four of the top-selling prescription drugs in the U.S. • Xanax, Halcion, Ativan, diazepam • Medical uses • Relief from anxiety, neurosis, muscle relaxation, alleviation of lower-back pain, treatment of convulsive disorders, induction of sleep, relief from withdrawal symptoms, induction of amnesia

  7. Types of CNS Depressants • Types of benzodiazepines: • 14 benzodiazepine compounds on the market • Distinguished primarily by their duration of action: short-acting (hypnotics), long-acting (sedatives) • Side effects: • Drowsiness to paradoxical effects (i.e. Rophynol, used to make victims vulnerable to sexual assault) • Tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, and abuse

  8. Figure 7.1 Schematic diagram of the relative time course of two barbiturates and two benzodiazepines after oral administration.

  9. Effects of CNS Depressants • The clinical value of CNS depressants is dose dependent: • Low dose (sedatives, relieve anxiety and promote relaxation) • Higher doses (hypnotics, can cause drowsiness and promote sleep) • At even higher doses (anesthetics, can cause anesthesia and are used for patient management during surgery)

  10. Effects of Inhalants • Nausea • Cough/sneeze • Light-headedness • Damage heart, kidneys, brain • Hypoxia/death

  11. Inhalants • Gaseous Anesthetics • Nitrites • Rapid delegation of the arties, great for blood pressure • Unpleasant smell • Volatile Solvents • GHB

  12. Dangers of Inhalants • SSD • Damage brain, liver, kidney, heart, fetus • Accidents associated with “intoxication” and fires

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