The effects of depressants are in many ways similar to the effects of
alcohol. Small amounts can produce calmness and relaxed muscles, but
somewhat larger doses can cause slurred speech, staggering gait, and
altered perception. Very large doses can cause respiratory depression,
coma, and death. The combination of depressants and alcohol can
multiply the effects of the drugs, thereby multiplying the risks.
The use of depressants can cause both physical and psychological
dependence. Regular use over time may result in a tolerance to the
drug, leading the user to increase the quantity consumed. When regular
users suddenly stop taking large doses, they may develop withdrawal
symptoms ranging from restlessness, insomnia, and anxiety to
convulsions and death.
Babies born to mothers who abuse depressants during pregnancy may be
physically dependent on the drugs and show withdrawal symptoms shortly
after they are born. Birth defects and behavioral problems also may
result.
Type What is What does it How is
it called? look like? it used?
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Barbiturates Downers Red, yellow, blue, Taken orally
Barbs or red and blue
Blue Devils capsules
Red Devils
Yellow Jacket
Yellows
Nembutal
Seconal
Amytal
Tuinals
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Methaqualone Quaaludes Tablets Taken orally
Ludes
Sopors
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Tranquilizers Valium Tablets Taken orally
Librium Capsules
Equanil
Miltown
Serax
Tranxene
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