Drepressant are usually known a "downers", which are drugs that act on the nervous system promoting relaxations and sleep. Some of the drugs classified under the dpresant are:

1. Barbiturates - drugs most frequently prescribed to introduced sedation and sleep by both doctors and veterenarians. Small dosage of barbituates tend to calm nervous conditions while larger dozes can cause sleep 20 to 60 minutes after taking it orally. An overdose of barbiturates may progress through stages of sedation, sleep, and "comma" to death from respiratory arrest and cardiovascular complications. Barbiturates are classified as
   • Ultrashort-acting (Hexobarbital)
   • Intermediate-acting (Secobarbital)
   • Short-acting (Pentobarbital)
   • Long-acting (Methobarbital)
2. Methaqualone - is a synthetic sedative which has been widely abuse and often cuse serious poisoning. It is taken orally and is rapidly absorb from the digestive tract. Large doses can cause "comma", accompanied by convulsions. Heavy use of this drug leads to tolerance and dependence. It is known in the U.S. as Qualude, Parest, Mequin, Optimil, Somnafac, and Sopor, while its European Equivalent is "Mandrax".

EFFECT OF DEPRESSANTS

1. A usual dose of a barbiturates cause a calming, relaxing effect which promotes sleep. Other notable reaction are:
• Relief of anxiety and excitement
• Reduce physical and mental activity
• A marked decrease in breathing
2. Barbiturates are used to reduce the frequency of convulsions in epileptic.
3. An overdose of barbiturates produce the fallowing reactions:
• Unconsciousness and decrease breathing
• Deepening unconsciousness leading to "coma"
4. Accidental poisoning occurs when a person taking barbiturates inadvertently take a second dose. Anothher cause of accidental poisoning is when alcohol is taken together with barbiturates. This combination is lethal, even in a small amount.

ABUSE OF BARBITURATES

Barbiturates are usually abuse in two ways:

1. The use of the drug had developed a tolerance to the drug and thus, increases the dosage to feel the desire effects.
2. For added thrill the barbiturate is injected as a substitute to other drugs being abused, specially amphetamines. Barbiturates can produce both phsychological and phsycal dependence.

FIRST AID TREATMENT

• Keep an open airways to allow breathing and give the victim artificial respiration when needed
• Maintain normal body temperature
• Take the victim to the nearest doctor or hospital