AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -When used as prescribed by a doctor, depressants can calm nerves and relax muscles. Larger or improperly used doses of depressant drugs can cause confusion, lack of coordination, low blood pressure, and slowed heart rate and breathing.

Detailed explanation-2: -Depressants will slow down your heart rate and lower your blood pressure.

Detailed explanation-3: -Prescription CNS depressants act on the brain by increasing activity of GABA, a chemical that slows brain activity. People who start taking prescription CNS depressants usually feel sleepy and uncoordinated at first. They can also have poor concentration, confusion, lowered blood pressure, and slowed breathing.

Detailed explanation-4: -Depressants will induce sleep, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and prevent seizures. Barbiturates are older drugs and include butalbital (Fiorina®), phenobarbital, Pentothal®, Seconal®, and Nembutal®.

Detailed explanation-5: -Fluvoxamine, fluoxetine and paroxetine are considered lower risk antidepressants with minimal effects on the cardiovascular system. Fluoxetine is contraindicated with metoprolol and paroxetine may increase cholesterol levels. Citalopram causes dose dependent QT interval prolongation and is generally avoided in CHD.