Barbiturates and Other CNS Depressants

Overview:  Barbiturates and other CNS depressants are substances that suppress neuron firing.  Consequently, the person taking the drug experiences relaxation, disinhibition, sleep, unconsciousness, and ultimately death depending on the dosage.  Generally, the use of barbiturates in the medical world has decreased because of a narrow effectiveness-to-toxic window.  However, barbiturates in the non-medical world while decreasing, are still widely used for many reasons

Ethanol is technically a CNS depressant (and has a similar effect).  However, it works differently than other CNS depressants and thus was discussed in the previous section.  

This section will examine the classic CNS Barbiturates and how they work.  The section will also briefly examine some classic anesthetics and related drugs as well.

Goals:  This section is designed to provide you with information related to barbiturates and other CNS general depressants and how they work.

Objectives:  Through reviews of the chapter you will learn how barbiturates work.  You will also review other CNS general anesthetics and their function.  Finally, you will understand the concepts of cross-tolerance and supra-additive depression and other terms.

Outcomes:  

3.            Describe the behavioral, psychological, physical health and social effects of psychoactive drugs including alcohol and tobacco on the consumer and significant others.

4.              Recognize the potential for substance use disorders to mimic a variety of medical and psychological disorders and the potential for medical and psychological disorders to co-exist with addiction and substance abuse.

102.      Describe warning signs, symptoms, and the course of substance use disorders.

Tasks:

1.             Review chapter 5 in Julien.  

2.      Answer the study questions that are found in Chapter 5 of Julien

3.       Then describe how alcohol and other CNS depressants might become a lethal combination. 

Send both sets of material to your instructor.

Resources:

You can also get information about Barbiturates and other CNS depressants at www.NIH.GOV.

Discussion  for Topic 3.