Sohrab R Depressants Drugs which depress the CNS Interfere with transmission of nerve impulses in the neurones Slow down bodily functions including mental activity Most commonly taken depressant is alcohol ID: 718336
Download Presentation The PPT/PDF document "Depressants (D.4) Ali Q," is the property of its rightful owner. Permission is granted to download and print the materials on this web site for personal, non-commercial use only, and to display it on your personal computer provided you do not modify the materials and that you retain all copyright notices contained in the materials. By downloading content from our website, you accept the terms of this agreement.
Slide1
Depressants (D.4)
Ali Q,
Sohrab
R.Slide2
Depressants?
Drugs which
depress
the CNS.Interfere with transmission of nerve impulses in the neurones. Slow down bodily functions including mental activity.Most commonly taken depressant is alcohol (H3C-CH2-OH)Sometimes called anti-depressants.Relieve symptoms of mental depression.
D.4.1
Describe the effects of depressants.Slide3
Effects?
Low Doses:
Little, or no effect.
Moderate Doses:Feeling of calm, relieve anxiety.Large Doses:Induce sleep.Extremely high Doses:Death.D.4.1 Describe the effects of depressants.Slide4
Alcohol?
In Medicine:
Alcohol used as antiseptic before injections and to harden skin.
Drinking:Psychological and physical dependence; alcoholism.Huge social costs due to:Road accidents, violent behaviour , family breakdowns.D.4.2 Discuss the Social and Physiological effects of the use and abuse of ethanol.Slide5
Short Term Effects.
Moderate quantities:
Feeling of relaxation, confidence, increased sociability.
Dilates small blood vessels.Flushing and feeling of warmth.Judgement, concentration, progressively impaired.Violent behaviour.Slurred speech, loss of balance.High quantities:Loss of consciousness.Risk of death from inhalation of vomit or stoppage of breathing.D.4.2 Discuss the Social and Physiological effects of the use and abuse of ethanol.Slide6
Long Term Effects.
Heavy Drinking:
Severe liver disease.
Cirrhosis, liver cancer.Linked with coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, increasing risk of dementia.Can cause miscarriage and foetal abnormalities during pregnancy.Sudden discontinuation by heavy users can cause delirium tremens (the ‘DTs’).Severe shaking, can last up to four days.D.4.2 Discuss the Social and Physiological effects of the use and abuse of ethanol.Slide7
Breathalyzer & Chromatography
Breathalyzer:
Acidified
potassium or sodium dichromate(VI) crystals turn green as they are reduced by alcohol to Cr3+.Chromatography:Blood or urine sample using gas liquid chromatographyD.4.3 Describe and explain the techniques used for the detection of ethanol in the breath, the blood and urine.Slide8
Absorption of infrared
radiation:
C-H
bonds in ethanol absorbs infrared radiation of a particular wavelengthD.4.3 Describe and explain the techniques used for the detection of ethanol in the breath, the blood and urine.Slide9
Alcohol enhances the effect of other drugs because it depresses the CNS (Synergistic effect)
Fatal.
Alcohol taken with Aspirin increases the risk of stomach bleeding
D.4.4 Describe the synergistic effects of ethanol with other drugs.Slide10
Other Depressants
Commonly prescribed to:
Reduce anxiety, relieve stress, help insomnia.
These include the benzodiazepines and Prozac.Usually only prescribed for limited period while counselling or psychotherapy are used, as these an induce dependence.Also used as a premedication in hospitals before general surgery.D.4.5 Identify other commonly used depressants and describe their structures.Slide11
Structures.
D.4.5 Identify other commonly used depressants and describe their structures.
Diazepam (
Valium)
Nitrazapam
(
Mogadon
)
Fluoxetine
hydrochloride
(Prozac)