Chapter 4
Opiates/Opioids & Sedative-Hypnotics

Overview

Downers (depressants), which include opiates/opioids, sedative-hypnotics, and alcohol, depress the central nervous system. Effects range from sedation, pain relief, anxiety control, muscle relaxation, suppression of inhibitions, and drowsiness up to unconsciousness, coma, and death. They work by either inhibiting pain, stimulatory, and other neurotransmitters or by mimicking the body's natural sedating neurotransmitters.

This chapter surveys the different types of opiates and opioids (e.g., heroin, codeine, morphine, methadone, Dilaudid®), their history, effects, and side effects. It then examines the sedative-hypnotics (e.g., benzodiazepines, barbiturates), their effects, side effects, drug interactions, synergism, cross-dependence, and cross-tolerance.

Finally, this chapter discusses other problems with depressants such as drug interactions, misuse, and diversion. It also briefly examines the pharmaceutical industry.