Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drugs: Depressants

Street Names: Downers, Barbs, Benzos, Yellow jackets, Reds (barbiturates)

Method of Use: Swallowed, Snorted, Injected

Depressants are primarily used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders.

• Barbiturates (Nembutal, Seconal, Phenobarbital)
• Benzodiazepines (Ativan, Halcion, Librium, Valium, Xanax)
• Some sleep medications (Ambien, Sonata, Lunesta)

Symptoms/Effects of Use

• Feeling of well-being
• Lowered inhibitions
• Poor concentration
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Impaired coordination
• Impaired memory
• Impaired judgment
• Slowed heart rate and breathing
• Lowered blood pressure
• Reduced pain/anxiety
• Respiratory depression and arrest
• Tolerance

What to Look For

• Slurred speech
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Missing medications
• Doctor shopping
• Unexplained loss of money

Withdrawal symptoms

• “Rebound effect” (return of symptoms that the drug was counteracting)
• Restlessness
• Agitation or irritability
• Muscle tension
• Tremors
• Weakness
• Seizure
• Delirium

Note: Each person may experience different symptoms/effects. This list is not inclusive. For more information, visit www.drugabuse.gov