Prescription Sedatives are central nervous system depressants for relieving anxiety, seizures, and sleep problems. Benzodiazepines, Valium and Xanax are drugs that are abused for their ability to create a state of relaxation, drowsiness, slowed heart rate and reduced anxiety. Mixing sedatives with other drugs and alcohol can cause slowed breathing and decreased heart rate.
Effects:
- Slowed brain activity
- Can cause tiredness/sleepiness
- Slurred speech
- Bad concentration
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Loss of coordination
- Issues with memory
What to do in a depressant overdose
SFSU students misused: 4.4%*
*American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: San Francisco State University Executive Summary Spring 2016. Hanover, MD: American College Health Association; 2016.