Featured:
Allergies
Grilling Guide
eHow Now Blog

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Using Depressants?

Depressants are substances that slow heart rate, breathing and cognitive processing. Opiates, benzodiazepines, alcohol and sedatives are among the most common depressants in use today.

  1. Depression

    • According to aafp.org, benzodiazepine use increases the risk of emotional blunting and suicidal ideation in some users, though these risks are usually associated with higher doses. Depression is also a common side effect among people who abuse alcohol.

    Addiction and Withdrawal

    • Depressants like Xanax and alcohol have a high potential for abuse and dependence. When stopped abruptly, they can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizure, coma and death, according to gdcada.org.

    Cognitive Impairment

    • Long-term use of depressants can cause cognitive impairment in some people. Memory loss, inhibited problem-solving skills and changes in mood and behavior are possible outcomes of depressant use.

    Overdose

    • As tolerance increases, higher doses are needed to produce desired effects, increasing the likelihood of overdose. As with most depressants, the amount needed to induce calmness and sedation can be dangerously close to the lethal dose.

    Warning

    • Taking more than one depressant drug increases the chance of fatal respiratory depression and cardiac arrest. Avoid driving and other potentially dangerous tasks while under the influence of depressants.

Related Searches:

References

Resources

You May Also Like

  • Long-Term Effects of Depression

    In addition to being debilitating, depression can have long-term effects on your health. Fortunately, treatment of depression has come a long way....

  • The Effect of Depressants

    Depressants are any drugs that slow down the reactions and normal functions of the central nervous system. This is opposed to a...

  • Effects of Depressants on the Body

    Also known as sedatives or tranquilizers, depressant drugs alter the body's functioning by slowing down the central nervous system (CNS), which encompasses...

  • Effects of Depressants

    Barbiturates are commonly prescribed to prevent seizures and to treat anxiety and insomnia. However, the use of barbiturates has greatly declined due...

  • Long-Term Effects of Drinking & Anti Depression

    Combining antidepressant therapy with alcohol consumption is generally discouraged by mental health care providers. Complications associated with the use of alcohol ...

  • Why Are Depressants Addictive?

    Depressants are any substance, natural or chemical, that depresses the abilities of the central nervous system to cooperate correctly. According to the...

  • Long- and Short-Term Effects of Depression

    According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 14 million Americans suffer from chronic depression each year. Depression interferes with...

  • Risks of Chantix Use

    Chantix (varenicline) is a prescription-only drug manufacturer by Pfizer. It is used to help people quit smoking. Although Chantix is statistically more...

  • Side Effects of Depressants

    Depressants are drugs that are commonly prescribed to assist people in sleeping, to relieve stress or promote relaxation. When taken properly, most...

  • Long-Term Effects of Opiate Abuse

    In proper, prescribed doses, opiates can play a very important role in helping people cope with pain. However, when opiates are abused...

  • Long-Term Use of Dilantin

    Dilantin is the brand name of the drug phenytoin, most commonly prescribed to treat epilepsy. Dilantin is very effective for the long...

  • Long Term Side Effects From Chemotherapy

    Chemotherapy is a common type of cancer treatment for a lot of different types of cancers (including breast cancer, lung cancer and...

  • Long Term Side Effects Of Nexium

    The stomach medication Nexium has a long list of long-term effects. According to Astra-Zeneca, the manufacturer of Nexium, the long-term effects of...

  • Effects of Long-Term Use of Prednisone

    Prednisone is a widely used treatment option for autoimmune and inflammatory medical conditions. It is swift and effective at suppressing the immune...

  • Benzodiazepine Long-Term Effects

    Benzodiazepines are tranquilizing drugs most commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and insomnia. Well-known types include alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium ...

  • The Effects of Combining Alcohol & Anti-Depressants

    Anti-depressants are a type of drug used to treat depression. They are often safe and effective, but like any drug, they have...

  • Side Effects of Celexa: Anti-Depressants

    Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, and its side effects include headaches, digestive issues and trouble sleeping. Learn about the nauseousness...

Related Ads

thumbnail
Featured