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Prescription Drugs > Depressants > How they are used
CNS depressants are prescribed by doctors or other healthcare professionals to treat anxiety and stress-related conditions. They are also effective for bringing relief to people with disorders that prevent them from sleeping.
There are two main classifications, or groups, of CNS depressants:
Barbiturates give relief from anxiety, tension, sleeping difficulties, and seizures; they have been used to treat these conditions for over 100 years.
Benzodiazepines, developed in the late 1950s, are used in cases of anxiety, stress, muscle spasms, and to provide short-term relief for sleep disorders.
CNS depressants and some other prescription medications have known effects and side effects. Three of these effects occur normally even when these medications are taken properly. Tolerance and physical dependance, for example, can develop in people taking these medications. If the medication is reduced or stopped abruptly, withdrawal symptoms can be experienced.
Prescription CNS depressants, when used appropriately under the care of a doctor or other healthcare professional, are safe and effective with relatively few side effects. If you are prescribed this medication to treat a condition, be sure to talk to your parents and your doctor or other healthcare professional if you experience any side effects.
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