Prescription drugs: depressants

By: Mikaela

There are 4 main categories of

prescription drugs that are taken .

Depressants

Opioids and Derivatives

Anti depressants

Stimulants

How do you take it? Why do people think it’s

safe?The most common forms of these drugs are tablets, capsules, and liquids

People who take any type of prescription drugs might think they are safer because they have been prescribed by a doctor. They really aren't and can be just as dangerous and some times are worse.

Did you Know??Drug overdoses

Perscription drugs street drugs combined

45%

39%

More people die from prescription drug overdoses than street drugs (cocaine, heroin ex.)

People who start taking prescription drugs are also... 2x more likely to drink alcohol 5x more likely to do marijuana 12-20x more likely to do street drugs

People who take these drugs usually don’t remember what happen when they were high

Sometimes they black out, or the drug causes them not to be able to remember anything that happened

Some People who are coming down from a high start to take the drugs again.

^ it could be 2 days without the person knowing what happened last

How long can the high last?

Who does it affect? This drugs affect everyone around the user

People have admitted to lying to doctors and family members to get medication they don’t need

People act differently, some act out, others are hateful and angry and sometimes become violent

It’s a serious problem with teens and young adults

Types of depressants

Xanax

Valium

Halcion

Librium

Ativan

Klonopin

Some medications are under the same categoryAs some street drugs. (cocaine and Opium)Some are Ritalin, Dexedrine etc.

Short term affects Slow brain function

Fever

Dizziness

Lowered blood pressure

Disorientation

Slowed pulse

Fatigue

Addiction

Depression

In higher doses….• Impartment of

memory • Judgment• Coordination • Irritability • Paranoia• And suicidal thoughts

***Mixing these drugs with alcohol can be fatal and lead to slow heartbeat and breathing and in worse cases death

Long term affectsFeeling the need of higher doses when you tolerate a lower one

^ a higher dose could lead to death or coma

Depression

Fatigue

Difficulty breathing

Cravings and anxiety

Panic without it

Withdrawal affects can be life- threatening • Insomnia • Nausea • Agitation • Hallucinations • Convulsions

Taking these also makes you high risk for• Diabetes • High blood sugar • And weight gain

The end

Works Cited"Attachment." Phentermine 375. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Jan. 2014."Challenges Addiction Treatment Center – The People Who Can Help Prevent Prescription Drug Addiction." Challenges Addiction Treatment Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Jan. 2014."Drug Free World: Substance & Alcohol Abuse, Education & Prevention." Drug Free World: Substance & Alcohol Abuse, Education & Prevention. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Jan. 2014."Improve Healthcare." » Valium. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Jan. 2014."Nanda Books." Most Common Causes of Fatigue. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Jan. 2014."The Process of Prescription Drug Detox." Michaels House. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Jan. 2014."Shocking Increase in the Prescription of Anti-depressants." Mental Healthy. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Jan. 2014."Tag Archives: Pill Reminders." Pill Reminders / Boosting Your Life with the ZBoost Cell Phone Signal Booster Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Jan. 2014.