What are the possible consequences of CNS depressant use and abuse?

What are the possible
consequences of CNS
depressant use and abuse?

Despite their many beneficial
effects, benzodiazepines and
barbiturates have the potential
for abuse and should be used
only as prescribed. The use of
non-benzodiazepine sleep aids
is less well studied, but certain
indicators have raised concern
about their abuse liability as well.
During the first few days of taking
a prescribed CNS depressant, a
person usually feels sleepy and
uncoordinated, but as the body
becomes accustomed to the
effects of the drug and tolerance
develops, these side effects begin
to disappear. If one uses these
drugs long term, larger doses
may be needed to achieve the
therapeutic effects. Continued
use can also lead to physical
dependence and withdrawal when
use is abruptly reduced or stopped
(see text box on “Dependence vs.
Addiction” on page 3). Because
all CNS depressants work by
slowing the brain’s activity, when

an individual stops taking them,
there can be a rebound effect,
resulting in seizures or other
harmful consequences. Although
withdrawal from benzodiazepines
can be problematic, it is rarely life
threatening, whereas withdrawal
from prolonged use of barbiturates
can have life-threatening
complications. Therefore,
someone who is thinking about
discontinuing CNS depressant
therapy or who is suffering
withdrawal from a CNS depressant
should speak with a physician or
seek immediate medical treatment.