CNS Depressants

CNS (Central Nervous System) depressants are medications that reduce brain activity by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA, which promotes relaxation and slows down the nervous system. This calming effect makes them effective for treating conditions like anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia, as well as for muscle relaxation and managing acute stress responses. While these medications are highly effective when used as prescribed, they carry a risk of addiction, particularly for individuals predisposed to substance use disorders. Regular or prolonged use can lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect, and in some cases, dependency may develop. This potential for abuse and addiction underscores the importance of using CNS depressants under strict medical supervision and only for their intended purposes. Additionally, it is worth noting that the withdrawal from most CNS Depressants can result in seizures, brain damage, and death due to rebound excitotoxicity in the brain/central nervous system if not properly managed. If you are planning on discontinuing any such drug, it is highly advised to do so under the supervision or guidance of a medical professional!

Benzodiazepines:

• Alprazolam (e.g., Xanax)

• Diazepam (e.g., Valium)

• Clonazepam (e.g., Klonopin)

• Lorazepam (e.g., Ativan)

• Avizafone (Pro-Drug of diazepam)

• Bretazenil (partial agonist; less addictive potential)

• Temazepam (e.g., Restoril)

• Midazolam (e.g., Versed)

• Chlordiazepoxide (e.g., Librium)

• Triazolam (e.g., Halcion)

• Oxazepam (e.g., Serax)

• Flurazepam (e.g., Dalmane)

• Etizolam (Technically a thienodiazepine)

• Flualprazolam

• Clonazolam

• Diclazepam

• Flubromazolam

• Nifoxipam

• Pyrazolam

• Deschloroetizolam

• Meclonazepam

• Brotizolam

Barbiturates:

• Phenobarbital (e.g., Luminal)

• Pentobarbital (e.g., Nembutal)

• Secobarbital (e.g., Seconal)

• Amobarbital (e.g., Amytal)

• Butalbital (e.g., Fioricet, Fiorinal)

• Barbital

• Cyclobarbital

• Sodium Pentathol

Non-Benzodiazepine/Barbiturate Depressants:

• Glutethimide

• Methaqualone (e.g., Quaalude)

GABA-Related Depressants:

• GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate)

• GBL (Gamma-Butyrolactone)

• 1,4-BDO (1,4-Butanediol)

• Phenibut