Depressant pills are a large group of medications which depress the central nervous system. Many are used to induce sleep (hypnotics), lower anxiety (sedatives) or both. These drugs can be classified as barbiturates, non-barbiturate hypnotics and tranquilizers.
Barbiturates are a large group of sedative hypnotics. The most popular include Seconal, Tuinal, Amytal, Phenobarbital and Nembutal. Some of these compounds have 3-6 hours of effect while others can last 8-12 hours. They have been used to treat sleeplessness, anxiety, high blood pressure and illnesses in which seizures and convulsions occur. Small doses lower anxiety and relax muscles. Large doses produce effect very similar to drunkenness: staggering, slurred speech, poor judgment, slowed reactions, unpredictable behavior, etc. They can produce tolerance and chemical dependence.
Non-barbiturate hypnotics- include Methaqualone (Qualudes), Placidyl, and Doriden. Qualudes were primarily used to induce sleep, but developed a large illicit street trade in the 1970’s. Tolerance and physical dependence can result form prolonged use. In 1984, Qualudes were taken off the commercial market, and a market for counterfeits and imported Qualudes were developed. Counterfeits are often made of antihistamines, analgesics, sedatives (such as Valium) or barbiturates.
Minor tranquilizers are primarily used to lower anxiety, but are also used as muscle relaxants, anti convulsants or sleep inducers. The biggest group of minor tranquilizers are the benzodiazapines, which include Valium, Librium, Dalmane, Serax, Ativan, Centrax and Tranxene. Side effects include drowsiness, weakness and unsteady coordination. A physical dependence can develop at large doses or after prolonged use of the prescribed therapeutic dose. Signs of withdrawal can induce muscle twitching, ringing ears, tingling sensation, vision disturbance, confusion and perceptual changes.
Major tranquilizers are also known as neuroleptic or antipsychotic drugs. These include Thorazine, Mellaril, Stelazine, Haldol and Navane. These drugs are used to treat psychiatric disorders by reducing agitation and psychotic behavior. They are not considered to cause physical dependence.
It is noteworthy that less of a generation gap exists with depressant pills. Many adults abuse these drugs. The depressant effect of these drugs can be increased substantially when mixed with alcohol or another depressant. Together, a user usually needs much less alcohol and depressant pills to produce a severe state of intoxication or overdose. Many depressant pills, especially when used at incorrect dosages, can impair judgment and reaction time. This makes drives and operation of other heavy machinery especially hazardous.
They were considered an aphodisiac, but these drugs only lower anxiety and inhibitions. They also reduce actual sexual perfomance.
A person who is physically dependent on depressant pills should only be withdrawn under medical supervision. In some cases, detoxification in a hospital setting is the safest procedure.