Differences Between Stimulants and Depressants
- Properties of stimulants. The definition of a stimulant is a drug that raises nervous and physiological actions in the body. ...
- Properties of depressants. ...
- Reactions to depressants and stimulants. ...
- Differences between stimulants and depressants. ...
What are some examples of stimulants?
Some stimulant examples include amphetamines (ie: Adderall), methylphenidate (ie: Ritalin) caffeine, nicotine or illicit drugs such as cocaine or MDMA. The most commonly used stimulants are cocaine and amphetamines. Some stimulant brand and street names are:
What are the side effects of taking depressants?
Risks associated with depressants include slowed breathing, limp body, pale skin, vomiting, unresponsiveness or unconsciousness. Withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening and include: insomnia, weakness and nausea. Agitation, high body temperature, delirium, hallucinations and convulsions can occur for continual and high-dose users. Depressants can also increase the risk of high blood sugar, diabetes, and weight gain.
What are the two main categories of drugs?
Two primary categories of drugs are stimulants (or “uppers”) and depressants (or “downers”). Here are some of the overarching differences between these upper and downer drugs:
What is the name of the medication that is used to treat mental illness?
Some depressants are known as “major tranquilizers” or “antipsychotics,” such as Zyprexa, Seroquel and Haldol, and are supposed to reduce the symptoms of mental illness.
What is the name of the medication that is used as a sedative?
Depressants known as barbiturates are used as sedatives and sleeping pills, such as Amytal, Numbutal and Seconal.
What are the effects of depressants on the brain?
Some short-term effects of depressants are: decreased blood pressure, breathing rate, pulse, sluggishness, slow brain function, poor concentration and coordination, depression, confusion, and addiction.
Can stimulants cause seizures?
Stimulants can have many side effects and run several risks with overdose. These can include seizures, increased heart rate, headaches, dizziness, trouble breathing, vomiting, loss of consciousness. When abused, prescription stimulants are swallowed, injected in liquid form or crushed and snorted.
What is the difference between stimulants and depressants?
But the effects they have on the body and the mind are expressed in profoundly different ways. While stimulants work to activate the central nervous system (CNS), depressants work to quiet it.
How do stimulants affect the central nervous system?
While stimulants stimulate the central nervous system, depressants depress it. Depressants reduce the function or activity of the central nervous system by affecting CNS neurons and increasing feelings of drowsiness and relaxation while lowering levels of awareness in the brain.
Why are depressants used for anxiety?
Since depressants are effective in slowing brain activity, they are useful as medications for various sleep disorders or anxiety. Prescription depressants are generally used to treat insomnia, panic disorders, acute stress reactions and muscle spasms.
What are the side effects of depressants?
Short-term effects of depressants include: 1 Slowed brain function and memory problems 2 Lack of coordination 3 Decreased blood pressure 4 Slowed or depressed heart rate and breathing rate 5 Inability to concentrate 6 Confusion or disorientation 7 Depression 8 Slurred speech 9 Dry mouth 10 Vision problems 11 Dizziness and fatigue
How do you become dependent on stimulants?
The brain and the body can easily become dependent on the stimulating or sedating effects of stimulants or depressants respectively. Over time, the individual might need to consume more and more of a drug — or mix the drug with other substances — to achieve the same initial effects. This process is known as developing a tolerance.
How do stimulants affect the brain?
Stimulants are substances that make people more alert and increase attention and focus by increasing brain function. They also raise the person’s blood pressure, heart rate and breathing rate. In other words, stimulants stimulate the CNS.
How long do withdrawal symptoms last from stimulants?
These symptoms can come on quickly and last for up to several months.
What are stimulants and depressants?
Stimulants and depressants are two main classes of drugs that affect how a person behaves, feels, and thinks. Although they both affect the central nervous system, these drug classes are really at opposite ends of the spectrum. Both stimulants and depressants can become addictive, resulting in the need for treatment in a drug rehab center.
What is dependent on stimulants?
Dependence on pharmaceutical stimulants will involve taking an amount of the drug that will deliver either a stronger euphoria, do so for a longer period of time, or both.
How do depressants affect the brain?
Effects of Depressants on the Brain. Depressants slow brain activity by increasing the production and activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the brain. This chemical, also known as GABA, can cause sleepiness and clumsiness initially. With time, these symptoms diminish and disappear.
What are the physical problems associated with stimulant addiction?
Physical problems arising out of addiction can include irreversible organ damage, cancer, and cardiac issues.
Why are stimulants prescribed?
Previously, prescription stimulants were used in the treatment of a wider range of conditions. For example, they were used to treat obesity because these stimulants would reduce appetite. They were also prescribed for asthma, as they improved breathing by expanding the patient’s airways.
What are illegal stimulants?
Illegal stimulants are manufactured, packaged, and sold in the form of cocaine, crack cocaine, crystal meth, and party drugs like Ecstasy, “Molly,” and MDMA. These illegal stimulants are not only highly addictive but also highly dangerous to use. This is because they will often be diluted and “cut” with a toxic blend of stimulant and chemical substances.
Why do people take depressants?
As such, they’re used to treat anxiety, seizure disorders, and sleep disorders. They produce a calming effect and can also make the user drowsy.
What is the difference between stimulants and depressants?
Difference Between Stimulants and Depressants. The difference between stimulants and depressants is equivalent to the difference between night and day. Stimulants are known as “uppers” and depressants are known as “downers” due to their effects.
What is a depressant?
Depressants are defined as a substance which decreases the body’s nervous system and physiological functions.
What is stimulant in medicine?
Therefore, stimulants can be defined as a substance that increases the nervous system or physiological activity. Stimulants can encompass pharmaceuticals that treat everything from mental illness to allergies. The core component of the definition is within the word; stimulants stimulate some part of the body or brain.
What is the core component of the word "stimulants"?
The core component of the definition is within the word; stimulants stimulate some part of the body or brain. They are extremely dangerous and acute use or chronic abuse can lead to serious health issues, including heart attack, stroke, seizures, and death.
What are the consequences of using stimulants?
There are many consequences of using and abusing stimulants and depressants, including permanent damage and death. The pharmaceutical industry is strengthening dispensing guidelines and putting strict controls into place in order to monitor both doctors and patients. With a national epidemic, both the medical and pharmaceutical industries are coming together to create warning systems.
Can depressants cause brain damage?
Depressants, when abused or used chronically, can cause permanent damage to the brain and central nervous system. Drugs within the depressants category are responsible for the vast majority of immediate overdose deaths. Patients who are given medications, within this group, are warned and monitored for safety.
Can antihistamines be abused?
Antihistamines are often abused for their stimulant properties. Cold medicines, containing DMX (dextromethorphan) are depressants that need to be used sparingly. Medications such as Benadryl may have the potential for abuse. In fact, stimulants and depressants are regularly accessible to most adults.
As nouns the difference between stimulant and depressant
is that stimulant is a substance that acts to increase physiological or nervous activity in the body while depressant is (pharmacology) a pharmacological substance which decreases neuronal or physiological activity.
As adjectives the difference between stimulant and depressant
is that stimulant is acting as a while depressant is acting as a depressant.
English
A substance that acts to increase physiological or nervous activity in the body.
