Prescription Sedatives and Tranquilizers Information
There are an estimated 1.6
million non-medical users of tranquilizers and another 300,000 users of
sedatives in the United States. These represent two fo the top for categories
of prescription drug abuse. Sedatives and tranquilizers fall under the category
of CNS depressants, which slow normal bodily function.
Looking for help
detoxing
from sedatives? Fill out the form on this page or call
1-877-421-9659 to speak with a counselor that can
help.
Commonly-prescribed sedatives and tranquilizers include
barbiturates, such as mephobarbital (Mebaral) and pentobarbital sodium
(Nembutal), and benzodiazepines, like as diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide
HCl (Librium), and alprazolam (Xanax). There are also more sedating
benzodiazepines, such as triazolam (Halcion) and estazolam
(ProSom).
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, these feelings begin to
disappear. If one uses these drugs long term, the body will develop tolerance
for the drugs, and larger doses will be needed to achieve the same initial
effects. Continued use can lead to physical dependence due to their high
potential for abuse and - when use is reduced or stopped -
withdrawal.
Although withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be problematic,
it is rarely life threatening, whereas withdrawal from prolonged use of other
CNS depressants 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 medical
treatment.
© 2009 Drug-Free Alliance