Slang Terms:
Barbiturates: Downers, Barbs, Red devils, Yellow jackets
Tranquilizers: Valium, Librium, Miltown
Methaqualone: Quaaludes, Ludes, Sopors

Short Term Effects:
Small Dose
· Calmness
· Relaxed muscles
· Impaired judgment

Large Dose
· Slurred speech
· Staggering gait
· Altered perception
· Loss of motor coordination

Long Term Effects:
· Seizures
· Physical, psychological dependence
· Chest infections
· Hallucinations

Depressants

Form

Red, yellow, or blue capsules that are taken orally. Types include barbiturates, tranquilizers, or benzodiazepines, and methaqualones.

When and Why is it Used?

Depressants used in club scene as “roofies” and because of their similar effects of alcohol. Also used by addicts to enhance effects of methadone and other opiates.

Types of Depressants

Barbiturates: such as mephobarbital (Merabal) and pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal), which treat anxiety, tension, and sleep disorders.

Tranquilizers: such as diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide HCI (Librium), which can be prescribed to treat anxiety, acute stress reactions, and panic attacks.

Methaqualone: originally prescribed to reduce anxiety during the day and as a sleeping aid at night.

Other Facts

Depressants are highly addictive. Tolerance builds quickly and produces physical and psychological dependence.

Very large doses may cause respiratory depression, coma, or death.