Download Depressants

Depressants
By James O’Saile
What are depressants?
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Depressants are substances that
depress the activity of the central
nervous system
Are often referred to as “downers”
because of their sedative, hypnotic,
and tranquilizing effects
What do they do?
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Depressants have various modes of action
and effects.
They are used to:
Induce sleep
Relieve emotion stress
Ease anxiety and tension
Relieve pain
Trade Names
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Some commonly used Medications are:
Lexapro
Prozac
Celexa
Pros and Cons
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Pros:
They are fast acting
Can treat the sufferer to alternative
treatments such as exercise, diet, and
therapy
Cons:
Trial and error of fiding a medication that
works
Unwanted side effects
Side Effects
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Short term effects:
Reduced pain and anxiety
Feeling of well-being
Lowered inhibitions
Slowed pulse and breathing
Lowered blood pressure
Poor concentration
Long term effects:
Confusion
Fatigue
Impaired coordination
Respiratory depression and arrest
Addiction
Interactions
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Alcohol; using depressants with alcohol can
slow both the heart and breathing and may
lead to death. When combined with alcohol,
the effects of depressant drugs are seriously
increased
Other drugs; Depressants should not be
used with over the counter drugs or any
other substance that causes central nervous
system depression.
How is it administered?
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Depressants are taken orally. For
example one pill is taken after a meal
or a dr. prescribes the pill to be taken
twice a day
Five Rights
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Right
Right
Right
Right
Right
Right
patient
Time
dosage
drug
route of admin.
documentation
Facts
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Depressants are used more often as
drug to get a “high” from rather than
treating depression.
Sources
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www.encyclopedia.com/deprssant.asp
x
www.Medicinenet.com/depressionmedi
cations
www.Theantidrug.com/depressants