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CNS depression is a form of depression resulting from the misuse of CNS depressants.
CNS depressants are substances that can slow down your central nervous system.
Some common examples include opioids, sedatives, and hypnotics.
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These drugs are used to treat pain, anxiety, sleep disorders, and stress.
Depressants affect GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows down activity in the brain.
How CNS Depression Works?
CNS depressants work by increasing the activity of aneurotransmitterin your brain, called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
An increase in the activity of GABA in your brain leads to a slowdown of your brain activity.
CNS depression is prevalent among people who use these substances recreationally.
CNS depression varies in severity.
Sometimes these effects can be mild, but they can also be severe and potentially dangerous.
This would typically go away when you stop using the medication or when your body adjusts to the medication.
If you have recently been prescribed CNS depressants ormisusedany CNS depressants, this will be the most likely culprit.
Another major cause of CNS depression in people who have no history of using CNS depressants isbrain injury.
What Causes CNS Depression?
The misuse of certain substances causes CNS depression.
These substances are referred to as CNS depressants because they affect the activity of your CNS.
Opioids are often misusedand used recreationally, making them one of the leading causes of CNS depression.
Some common types of opioids typically prescribed for severe pain include Vicodin and Percocet.
Alcohol abuse can lead to addiction and CNS depression.
Barbiturates
Barbituratesare drugs typically used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders.
Some of the most common types include Luminal, Amytal, and Nembutal.
Xanax, Valium, and Prosom are some of the most common types of Benzodiazepines.
Sleeping Medication
CNS depressants slow down brain activity, making them a great treatment for sleeping disorders.
Sonata and Ambien are two types of sleeping medication that are CNS depressants.
Although they have a lower risk of dependency than other CNS depressants, long-term use may cause the condition.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Other Factors That Affect CNS Depression
Combining one or more CNS depressants often causes CNS depression.
Alcohol is typically a culprit in these sorts of situations.
This is why these medications specifically prohibit you from drinking alcohol while taking them.
Treatment for CNS Depression
Treatment for CNS depression depends on its cause.
If it is a result of the misuse of CNS depressants, certain medications are prescribed.
Naloxone
Naloxone is administered to people who are suffering from anopioid overdose.
It can either be administered as an injection or given intravenously.
Flumazenil
Flumazenil is administered to people who are experiencing severe side effects from using Benzodiazepines.
Flumazenil is also used to treat an overdose of medications.
However, its a short-acting drug and might need to be administered several times before a person recovers.
If severe CNS depression is left untreated, it can be fatal for the person living with the condition.
When to Seek Help for CNS Depression
Mild CNS depression is typically nothing to worry about.
However, if you find that your CNS depressantsaffect your daily functioning, speak to your doctor about it.
However, severe CNS depression needs immediate treatment, or it could result in heart failure or even death.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Prescription CNS depressants drugfacts.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.What classes of prescription drugs are commonly misused?
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