Depressants are classified mainly into two types. They are: Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines
Barbiturates: They have been popularly used in the first half of the 20th century. Symptoms after using these barbiturates include slurred speech, loss of motor coordination. They are naturally used as sleep aids. Depending upon the dosage, for length of the time the physical, psychological dependence and tolerance of these drugs occur.
Benzodiazepines: They have been produced in the year around 1960’s. They produce less respiratory depression when compared to barbiturates. Its effects include head ache, irritability, confusion, depression and even memory loss. With higher doses it causes sedation, dizziness, confusion. Generally they are used for treating anxiety, relieving pain, lack of sleep.
Even there are sleeping aids which cause sleepiness. They are prescribed by the doctor if the patient is suffering from lack of sleep. According to NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) doctor prescription medicines such as central nervous system depressants are being used for reducing anxiety and treating insomnia.
Depressive disorders affect approximately 18.8 million American adults or about 9.5% of the U.S population age 18 and older in age according to “The numbers count: mental illness in America”. So, in order to free themselves from depression many people are using this type of depressants without any prescription or without any suggestion from the doctor.