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| Tranquilizers |
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Common Depressants |
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| What It Is |
| Tranquilizers and barbiturates have two major effects
they are sedative and hypnotic (sleepy). Many drugs have both effects, often
having a sedative effect at low doses and a hypnotic effect at high
doses. |
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| Street Names |
| Tranquilizers and Barbiturates Tranx, Jellies,
Temazepam, Valium, Temazies, Barbs, Sekkies, Tuinal, Seconal and
Nembutal |
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| How It Is Taken |
| Usually taken orally, but it is sometimes
injected |
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| What It Does |
Tranquilizers
Tranquilizers, like barbiturates are used to
help control anxiety and tension and sleep aid. Benzodiazepines are the most
commonly prescribed of these drugs, which include Valium, Librium and Ativan.
A fatal overdose of pure Benzodiazepines is almost unheard of, but
death has been reported when combined with other drugs, especially alcohol.
Psychological dependence is common in long-term users and without the drug
they may be confused, irritable, anxious, and unable to carry on routine
activities. Barbiturates are sleeping pills and include Tuinal, Seconal and
Nembutal. These are the most misused because of their intoxicating effect.
Barbiturates
Like alcohol, barbiturates depress the central
nervous system and have similar effects lasting from 3 to 8 hours depending on
the dose. Small doses usually gives the user a feeling of being relaxed similar
to the effects of alcohol.
Large does can cause extreme and
unpredictable emotional reactions, mental confusion, unconsciousness,
respiratory failure, and death. They are extremely dangerous when taken with
alcohol
Users can develop strong psychological as well as physical
dependence. Withdrawal effects can include irritability, nervousness, inability
to sleep, faintness and nausea, twitching, delerium, and convulsions. Sudden
withdrawal from high doses of barbiturates can be fatal. |
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| Medical Uses |
| Tranquillizers and barbiturates are used medically for
many purposes. |
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