Depressant

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Depressant

A Depressant (pronounced: /dɪˈprɛs(ə)nt/), also known as a downer, is a type of drug that reduces arousal or stimulation in various areas of the brain.

Etymology

The term "depressant" is derived from the Latin word "deprimere", which means "to press down". It was first used in the medical context in the 19th century.

Types of Depressants

Depressants are classified into three main types:

  1. Barbiturates - These are drugs that are used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders. They work by depressing the central nervous system, which slows down the body's functions.
  2. Benzodiazepines - These are drugs that are commonly used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. They work by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA-A receptor, resulting in sedative, sleep-inducing, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties.
  3. Opioids - These are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many others.

Effects of Depressants

Depressants work by slowing down the nervous system, which leads to a decrease in physical and mental activity. This can result in effects such as relaxation, drowsiness, decreased inhibition, anesthesia, respiratory depression, and even death in high doses.

Related Terms

  • Sedative: A substance that induces sedation by reducing irritability or excitement.
  • Hypnotic: A drug that induces sleep.
  • Anxiolytic: A medication or other intervention that inhibits anxiety.
  • Anticonvulsant: A type of medication which prevents or reduces the severity of epileptic fits or other convulsions.
  • Muscle relaxant: A drug which decreases muscle tone.

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