D4+Depressants

Depress the central nervous system by intefering with the transmission of nerve impulses in the nerve cells. Most common: alcohol
 * EFFECTS OF DEPRESSANTS **

Low dose: bring a feeling of calm, relieve nervousness, induce sleep Large dose: loss consciousness, coma and death

**ALCOHOL** (ethanol)

Short term: relaxation, increase confidence and sociability. Feeling of warmth; possible violent behaviour à risk of death at high concentrations

Long term: severe liver disease, also link with coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes. Cause miscarriage during pregnancy and fetal abnomalities. Heavy drinkers that suddenly stop can lead to delirium tremens (severe shaking last 4 days) ** SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS **  Drinking large and regular ammounts of alcohol causes physical dependence and psychological effects, known as alcoholism. Social effects include road accidents, violent behaviour, and family breakdowns are very common.

**SYNERGISTICS**: ethanol interact with other drugs, because it depresses the nervous system à fatal, especially when taken with benzodiazepines, narcotics, barbiturates and solvents. Increase risk of stomach bleeding with aspirin

** DETECTION **

Blow into a breathalyser, with acidified potassium dichromate turning green if there is alcohol present. Analysis of urine and blood sample at police station by chromatography Modern intoximeters used in police station to accurately measure the amount of alcohol in breath

** OTHER DEPRESSANTS **

Reduce anxiety and relieve stress Only prescribed for limited period while conselling or psychotherapy because they can induce dependence. Premedication before general surgery

** Valium **

** Mogadon (sleeping pill) **

** Prozac ** Similarities Differences in structures
 * 2 benzene rings are present in each of the structure of the depressants
 * Valium and mogadon have very similar structure, except for the difference between NO2 and Cl
 * Prozac has a comepletely different structure (look at picture)