The Famous Or Commonly Using Sleeping Drugs Names And Side Effects 2016

I'm writing that article for the common peoples for the awareness about the sleeping

drugs side effects. That drugs we are commonly using but we don't know,what will that 

medicines get to us side effects in user body...

By Dr Rabia Khan (2016)

LIST OF THE NAMES SLEEPING DRUGS SIDE EFFECTS

Amphetamines-------------Detail--------> Barbiturates, ,,,,,,,,,,,>Detail
Bath Salts or Designer Cathinones,,,,,,,,,,,>Detail------- Benzodiazepines,,,,,,,,,,,>Detail
Cannabis,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,>Detail--------
Cocaine,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,>Detail } ----------------->  Depressants,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,>Detail }
Dextromethorphan (DXM) ,,,,,,,,,,,>Detail } -----------Ecstasy or MDMA,,,,,,,,,,>Detail}
GHB,,,,,,,,,,,>Detail} -------------->Hallucinogens,,,,,,,,,,,,,>Detail} ----> Heroin,,,,,,>Detail}
Hydrocodone ,,,,,,,,,,,,>Detail} ------- Hydromorphone,,,,Detail}------Inhalants,,,,,Detail}
K2 or Spice,,,,,,,,,,,,,,>Detail}------------ Ketamine,,,,,,Detail} --------- Khat,,,,,,,,,Detail}
Kratom,,,,,,,,,,,,>Detail} --------------LSD,,,,,,,,,,,,Detail} ------------
Marijuana ,,,,,,>Detail}

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Khat Side Effects

Khat is a flowering evergreen shrub that is abused for its
stimulant-like effect. Khat has two active ingredients, cathine and
cathinone.

• Commonly names:

Abyssinian Tea, African Salad, Catha, Chat, Kat, Oat.

• Looks like:

Khat is a flowering evergreen shrub. Khat that is sold and abused
is usually just the leaves, twigs, and shoots of the Khat shrub.
Methods of abuse
Khat is typically chewed like tobacco, then retained in the cheek and chewed intermittently to release the active drug,
which produces a stimulant-like effect. Dried Khat leaves can be made into tea or a chewable paste, and Khat can also
be smoked and even sprinkled on food.

• Affect on mind:

Khat can induce manic behavior with grandiose delusions, paranoia, nightmares, hallucinations, and hyperactivity.
Chronic Khat abuse can result in violence and suicidal depression.

• Affect on body:

Khat causes an immediate increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Khat can also cause a brown staining of the
teeth, insomnia, and gastric disorders. Chronic abuse of Khat can cause physical exhaustion.

• Drugs causing similar effects:

Khat’s effects are similar to other stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine.

• Overdose effects:

The dose needed to constitute an overdose is not known, however it has historically been associated with those who
have been long-term chewers of the leaves. Symptoms of toxicity include delusions, loss of appetite, difficulty with
breathing, and increases in both blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, there are reports of liver damage (chemical
hepatitis) and of cardiac complications, specifically myocardial infarctions. This mostly occurs among long-term
chewers of khat or those who have chewed too large a dose.
Legal status in the United States
The chemicals found in khat are controlled under the Controlled Substances Act. Cathine is a Schedule IV stimulant,
and cathinone is a Schedule I stimulant under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning that it has a high potential for
abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use
under medical supervision

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Ketamine Side Effects

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has some
hallucinogenic effects. It distorts perceptions of sight and sound
and makes the user feel disconnected and not in control. It is an
injectable, short-acting anesthetic for use in humans and
animals. It is referred to as a “dissociative anesthetic” because it
makes patients feel detached from their pain and environment.
Ketamine can induce a state of sedation (feeling calm and
relaxed), immobility, relief from pain, and amnesia (no memory of
events while under the influence of the drug). It is abused for its
ability to produce dissociative sensations and hallucinations. Ketamine has also been used to facilitate sexual assault.

• Commonly names:

Cat Tranquilizer, Cat Valium, Jet, Jet K, K, Kit Kat, Purple, Special K, Special La Coke, Super Acid, Super K, Vitamin
K

• Looks like:

Ketamine comes in a clear liquid and a white or off-white powder. Powdered ketamine (100 milligrams to 200
milligrams) typically is packaged in small glass vials, small plastic bags, and capsules as well as paper, glassine, or
aluminum foil folds.
Methods of abuse
Ketamine, along with the other “club drugs,” has become popular among teens and young adults at dance clubs and
“raves.” Ketamine is manufactured commercially as a powder or liquid. Powdered ketamine is also formed from
pharmaceutical ketamine by evaporating the liquid using hot plates, warming trays, or microwave ovens, a process that
results in the formation of crystals, which are then ground into powder. Powdered ketamine is cut into lines known as
bumps and snorted, or it is smoked, typically in marijuana or tobacco cigarettes. Liquid ketamine is injected or mixed
into drinks. Ketamine is found by itself or often in combination with MDMA, amphetamine, methamphetamine, or
cocaine.

• Affect on mind:

Ketamine produces hallucinations. It distorts perceptions of sight and sound and makes the user feel disconnected and
not in control. A “Special K” trip is touted as better than that of LSD or PCP because its hallucinatory effects are
relatively short in duration, lasting approximately 30 to 60 minutes as opposed to several hours. Slang for experiences
related to Ketamine or effects of Ketamine include: “K-land” (refers to a mellow and colorful experience), “K-hole” (refers
to the out-of-body, near death experience), “Baby food” (users sink in to blissful, infantile inertia), and “God” (users are
convinced that they have met their maker). The onset of effects is rapid and often occurs within a few minutes of taking
the drug, though taking it orally results in a slightly slower onset of effects. Flashbacks have been reported several
weeks after ketamine is used. Ketamine may also cause agitation, depression, cognitive difficulties, unconsciousness,
and amnesia.

• Affect on body:

A couple of minutes after taking the drug, the user may experience an increase in heart rate and blood pressure that
gradually decreases over the next 10 to 20 minutes. Ketamine can make users unresponsive to stimuli. When in this
state, users experience: involuntarily rapid eye movement, dilated pupils, salivation, tear secretions, and stiffening of
the muscles. This drug can also cause nausea.

• Drugs causing similar effects:

Other hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD, PCP, and mescaline can cause hallucinations. There are also several drugs
such as GHB, Rohypnol and other depressants that are misused for their amnesiac or sedative properties to facilitate
sexual assault.

• Overdose effects:

An overdose can cause unconsciousness and dangerously slowed breathing.
Legal status in the United States
Since the 1970s, ketamine has been marketed in the United States as an injectable, short-acting anesthetic for use in
humans and animals. In 1999, ketamine including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers, became a Schedule III non-
narcotic substance under the Federal Controlled Substances Act. It has a currently acceptable medical use but some
potential for abuse, which may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.

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Spice Side Effects

K2 or “Spice” is a mixture of herbs and spices that is typically
sprayed with a synthetic compound chemically similar to THC,
the psychoactive ingredients in marijuana. The chemical
compounds typically include HU-210, HU-211, JWH-018, and
JWH-073. K2 is commonly purchased in head shops, tobacco
shops, various retail outlets, and over the Internet. It is often
marketed as incense or “fake weed.” Purchasing over the Internet
can be dangerous because it is not usually known where the
products come from or what amount of chemical is on the organic
material.

• Commonly names:

Bilss, Black Mamba, Bombay Blue, Fake Weed, Genie, Spice, 
Zohai.

• Looks like:

K2 is typically sold in small, silvery plastic bags of dried leaves and marketed as incense that can be smoked. It is
said to resemble potpourri.
Methods of abuse
K2 products are usually smoked in joints or pipes, but some users make it into a tea.

• Affect on mind:

Psychological effects are similar to those of marijuana and include paranoia, panic attacks, and giddiness.

• Affect on body:

Physiological effects of K2 include increased heart rate and increase of blood pressure. It appears to be stored in the
body for long periods of time, and therefore the long-term effects on humans are not fully known.

• Drugs causing similar effects:

Marijuana

• Overdose effects:

There have been no reported deaths by overdose. Schedule I are 1-pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl) indole (JWH-018), 1-butyl-3-(1-naphthoyl) indole (JWH-073), 1-[2-(4-morpholinyl)
ethyl]-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole (JWH-200), 5-(1,1-dimethylheptyl)-2-[(1R,3S)-3-hydroxycyclohexyl]-phenol (CP-47,497), and
5-(1,1-dimethyloctyl)-2-[(1R,3S)-3-hydroxycyclohexyl]-phenol (cannabicyclohexanol; CP-47,497 C8 homologue). This
action is based on a finding by the Administrator that the placement of these synthetic cannabinoids into Schedule I of
the CSA is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety. As a result of this order, the full effect of the
CSA and its implementing regulations including criminal, civil and administrative penalties, sanctions, and regulatory
controls of Schedule I substances will be imposed on the manufacture, distribution, possession, importation, and
exportation of these synthetic cannabinoids

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Inhalants Side Effects

Inhalants are invisible, volatile substances found in common
household products that produce chemical vapors that are
inhaled to induce psychoactive or mind altering effects.

• Commonly names:

Gluey, Huff, Rush, Whippets

• Looks like:

Common household products such as glue, lighter fluid, cleaning
fluids, and paint all produce chemical vapors that can be inhaled.
Methods of abuse
Although other abused substances can be inhaled, the term
“inhalants” is used to describe a variety of substances whose
main common characteristic is that they are rarely, if ever, taken
by any route other than inhalation. Inhalants are breathed in
through the nose or the mouth in a variety of ways, such as:
“sniffing” or “snorting”; “bagging” — sniffing or inhaling fumes from
substances sprayed or deposited inside a plastic or paper bag;
and “huffing” from an inhalant-soaked rag stuffed in the mouth, or
inhaling from balloons filled with nitrous oxide. Inhalants are often
among the first drugs that young children use. About 1 in 5 kids
report having used inhalants by the eighth grade. Inhalants are
also one of the few substances abused more by younger children
than by older ones.

• Affect on mind:

Inhalant abuse can cause damage to the parts of the brain that control thinking, moving, seeing, and hearing. Cognitive
abnormalities can range from mild impairment to severe dementia

• Affect on body:

Inhaled chemicals are rapidly absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream and quickly distributed to the brain and
other organs. Nearly all inhalants produce effects similar to anesthetics, which slow down the body’s function.
Depending on the degree of abuse, the user can experience slight stimulation, feeling of less inhibition or loss of
consciousness. Within minutes of inhalation, the user experiences intoxication along with other effects similar to those
produced by alcohol. These effects may include slurred speech, an inability to coordinate movements, euphoria, and
dizziness. After heavy use of inhalants, abusers may feel drowsy for several hours and experience a lingering
headache. Additional symptoms exhibited by long-term inhalant abusers include: weight loss, muscle weakness,
disorientation, inattentive- ness, lack of coordination, irritability, depression, and damage to the nervous system and
other organs. Some of the damaging effects to the body may be at least partially reversible when inhalant abuse is
stopped; however, many of the effects from prolonged abuse are irreversible. Prolonged sniffing of the highly
stopped; however, many of the effects from prolonged abuse are irreversible. Prolonged sniffing of the highly
concentrated chemicals in solvents or aerosol sprays can induce irregular and rapid heart rhythms and lead to heart
failure and death within minutes. There is a common link between inhalant use and problems in school — failing
grades, chronic absences, and general apathy. Other signs include: paint or stains on body or clothing; spots or sores
around the mouth; red or runny eyes or nose; chemical breath odor; drunk, dazed, or dizzy appearance; nausea; loss
of appetite; anxiety; excitability; and irritability.

• Drugs causing similar effects:

Most inhalants produce a rapid high that is similar to the effects of alcohol intoxication.

• Overdose effects:

Because intoxication lasts only a few minutes, abusers try to prolong the high by continuing to inhale repeatedly over
the course of several hours, which is a very dangerous practice. With successive inhalations, abusers may suffer loss
of consciousness and/or death. “Sudden sniffing death” can result from a single session of inhalant use by an otherwise
healthy young person. Sudden sniffing death is particularly associated with the abuse of butane, propane, and
chemicals in aerosols. Inhalant abuse can also cause death by asphyxiation from repeated inhalations, which lead to
high concentrations of inhaled fumes displacing the available oxygen in the lungs, suffocation by blocking air from
entering the lungs when inhaling fumes from a plastic bag placed over the head, and choking from swallowing vomit
after inhaling substances.

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Heroin Drugs Sides Effects

Heroin  Most Dangerous Drugs

Heroin is a highly addictive drug and the most rapidly acting of
the opiates.

• Commonly names:

Big H, Black Tar, Chiva, Hell Dust, Horse, Negra, Smack, 
Thunder

• Looks like:

Heroin is typically sold as a white or brownish powder, or as the
black sticky substance known on the streets as “black tar
heroin.” Although purer heroin is becoming more common, most
street heroin is “cut” with other drugs or with substances such as sugar, starch, powdered milk, or quinine.
Methods of abuse
Heroin can be injected, smoked, or sniffed/snorted. High purity heroin is usually snorted or smoked.
Affect on mind
Because it enters the brain so rapidly, heroin is particularly addictive, both psychologically and physically. Heroin
abusers report feeling a surge of euphoria or “rush,” followed by a twilight state of sleep and wakefulness.

• Affect on body:

One of the most significant effects of heroin use is addiction. With regular heroin use, tolerance to the drug develops.
Once this happens, the abuser must use more heroin to achieve the same intensity. As higher doses of the drug are
used over time, physical dependence and addiction to the drug develop. Physical symptoms of heroin use include:
drowsiness, respiratory depression, constricted pupils, nausea, a warm flushing of the skin, dry mouth, and heavy
extremities.

• Drugs causing similar effects:

Other opioids such as OxyContin®, Vicodin®, codeine, morphine, methadone, and fentanyl can cause similar effects
as heroin.

• Overdose effects:

Because heroin abusers do not know the actual strength of the drug or its true contents, they are at a high risk of
overdose or death. The effects of a heroin overdose are: slow and shallow breathing, blue lips and fingernails, clammy
skin, convulsions, coma, and possible death.

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Hallucinogens Drugs Sides Effects

Hallucinogens are found in plants and fungi or are synthetically
produced and are among the oldest known group of drugs used
for their ability to alter human perception and mood.

• Commonly names:

Acid, Blotter, Blotter Acid, Cubes, Doses, Fry, Mind Candy, 
Mushrooms, Shrooms, Special K, STP, X, XTC

• Looks like:

Hallucinogens come in a variety of forms. MDMA or ecstasy tablets are sold in many colors with a variety of logos to
attract young abusers. LSD is sold in the form of impregnated paper (blotter acid), typically imprinted with colorful
graphic designs.
Methods of abuse
The most commonly abused halluncinogens among junior and senior high school students are hallucinogenic
mushrooms, LSD, and MDMA or ecstasy. Hallucinogens are typically taken orally or can be smoked.
Affect on mind
Sensory effects include perceptual distortions that vary with dose, setting, and mood. Psychic effects include
distortions of thought associated with time and space. Time may appear to stand still, and forms and colors seem to
change and take on new significance. Weeks or even months after some hallucinogens have been taken, the user may
experience flashbacks — fragmentary recurrences of certain aspects of the drug experience in the absence of actually
taking the drug. The occurrence of a flashback is unpredictable, but is more likely to occur during times of stress and
seems to occur more frequently in younger individuals. With time, these episodes diminish and become less intense.

• Affect on body:

Physiological effects include elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, and dilated pupils.
Hallucinogens are found in plants and fungi or are synthetically
produced and are among the oldest known group of drugs used
for their ability to alter human perception and mood.

• Overdose effects:

Deaths exclusively from acute overdose of LSD, magic mushrooms, and mescaline are extremely rare. Deaths
generally occur due to suicide, accidents, and dangerous behavior, or due to the person inadvertently eating poisonous
plant material. A severe overdose of PCP and ketamine can result in: respiratory depression, coma, convulsions,
seizures, and death due to respiratory arrest.

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Ecstasy or MDMA Sides Effects

MDMA acts as both a stimulant and psychedelic, producing an
energizing effect, distortions in time and perception, and
enhanced enjoyment of tactile experiences. Adolescents and
young adults use it to reduce inhibitions and to promote:
euphoria, feelings of closeness, empathy, and sexuality.
Although MDMA is known among users as Ecstasy, researchers
have determined that many Ecstasy tablets contain not only
MDMA but also a number of other drugs or drug combinations
that can be harmful, such as: methamphetamine, ketamine,
cocaine, the over-the-counter cough suppressant
dextromethorphan (DXM), the diet drug ephedrine, and caffeine. In
addition, other drugs similar to MDMA, such as MDA or PMA,
are often sold as Ecstasy, which can lead to overdose and death when the user takes additional doses to obtain the
desired effect.

• Commly names:

Adam, Beans, Clarity, Disco Biscuit, E, Ecstasy, Eve, Go, Hug Drug, Lover's Speed, MDMA, Peace, STP, X, XTC

• Looks like:

MDMA is mainly distributed in tablet form. MDMA tablets are sold with logos, creating brand names for users to seek
out. The colorful pills are often hidden among colorful candies. MDMA is also distributed in capsules, powder, and liquid
forms.
Methods of abuse
MDMA use mainly involves swallowing tablets (50-150 mg), which are sometimes crushed and snorted, occasionally
smoked but rarely injected. MDMA is also available as a powder. MDMA abusers usually take MDMA by
“stacking” (taking three or more tablets at once) or by “piggy-backing” (taking a series of tablets over a short period of
time). One trend among young adults is “candy flipping,” which is the co-abuse of MDMA and LSD. MDMA is
considered a “party drug.” As with many other drugs of abuse, MDMA is rarely used alone. It is common for users to
mix MDMA with other substances, such as alcohol and marijuana.

• Affect on mind:

MDMA mainly affects brain cells that use the chemical serotonin to communicate with each other. Serotonin helps to
regulate mood, aggression, sexual activity, sleep, and sensitivity to pain. Clinical studies suggest that MDMA may
increase the risk of long-term, perhaps permanent, problems with memory and learning. MDMA causes changes in
perception, including euphoria and increased sensitivity to touch, energy, sensual and sexual arousal, need to be
touched, and need for stimulation. Some unwanted psychological effects include: confusion, anxiety, depression,
paranoia, sleep problems, and drug craving. All these effects usually occur within 30 to 45 minutes of swallowing the
drug and usually last 4 to 6 hours, but they may occur or last weeks after ingestion.

• Affect on body:

Users of MDMA experience many of the same effects and face many of the same risks as users of other stimulants
such as cocaine and amphetamines. These include increased motor activity, alertness, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Some unwanted physical effects include: muscle tension, tremors, involuntary teeth clenching, muscle cramps,
nausea, faintness, chills, sweating, and blurred vision. High doses of MDMA can interfere with the ability to regulate
body temperature, resulting in a sharp increase in body temperature (hyperthermia), leading to liver, kidney and
cardiovascular failure. Severe dehydration can result from the combination of the drug’s effects and the crowded and ho
conditions in which the drug is often taken. Studies suggest chronic use of MDMA can produce damage to the
serotonin system. It is ironic that a drug that is taken to increase pleasure may cause damage that reduces a person’s
ability to feel pleasure.



Drugs causing similar effects:


No one other drug is quite like MDMA, but MDMA produces both amphetamine-like stimulation and mild mescaline-like
hallucinations.

• Overdose effects:

In high doses, MDMA can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature. On occasions, this can lead to a
sharp increase in body temperature (hyperthermia), resulting in liver, kidney, and cardiovascular system failure, and
death. Because MDMA can interfere with its own metabolism (that is, its break down within the body), potentially
harmful levels can be reached by repeated drug use within short intervals.

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Dextromethorphan (DXM) Sides Effects

DXM is a cough suppressor found in more than 120 over-
thecounter (OTC) cold medications, either alone or in
combination with other drugs such as analgesics (e.g.,
acetaminophen), antihistamines (e.g., chlorpheniramine),
decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine), and/or expectorants
(e.g., guaifenesin). The typical adult dose for cough is 15 or 30
mg taken three to four times daily. The cough-suppressing effects
of DXM persist for 5 to 6 hours after ingestion. When taken as
directed, side-effects are rarely observed.

• Street names:

CCC, Dex, DXM, Poor Man's PCP, Robo, Rojo, Skittles, Triple C, Velvet.

• Looks like:

DXM can come in the form of: cough syrup, tablets, capsules, or powder.
Methods of abuse
DXM is abused in high doses to experience euphoria and visual and auditory hallucinations. Abusers take various
amounts depending on their body weight and the effect they are attempting to achieve. Some abusers ingest 250 to
1,500 milligrams in a single dosage, far more than the recommended therapeutic dosages described above. Illicit use of
DXM is referred to on the street as “Robotripping,” “skittling,” or “dexing.” The first two terms are derived from the
products that are most commonly abused, Robitussin and Coricidin HBP. DXM abuse has traditionally involved drinking
large volumes of the OTC liquid cough preparations. More recently, however, abuse of tablet and gel capsule
preparations has increased. These newer, high-dose DXM products have particular appeal for abusers. They are much
easier to consume, eliminate the need to drink large volumes of unpleasant-tasting syrup, and are easily portable and
concealed, allowing an abuser to continue to abuse DXM throughout the day, whether at school or work. DXM powder,
sold over the Internet, is also a source of DXM for abuse. (The powdered form of DXM poses additional risks to the
abuser due to the uncertainty of composition and dose.) DXM is also distributed in illicitly manufactured tablets
containing only DXM or mixed with other drugs such as pseudoephedrine and/ or methamphetamine. DXM is abused by
individuals of all ages, but its abuse by teenagers and young adults is of particular concern. This abuse is fueled by
DXM’s OTC availability and extensive “how to" abuse information on various web sites.


Affect on mind:


Some of the many psychoactive effects associated with high-dose DXM include: confusion, inappropriate laughter,
agitation, paranoia, and hallucinations. Other sensory changes, including the feeling of floating and changes in hearing
and touch. Long-term abuse of DXM is associated with severe psychological dependence. Abusers of DXM describe
the following four dose-dependent “plateaus”: Plateau Dose (mg) Behavioral Effects 1st 100-200 Mild stimulation 2nd
200-400 Euphoria and hallucinations 3rd 300-600 Distorted visual perceptions Loss of motor coordination 4th 500-1500
Out-of-body sensations.

• Affect on body:

DXM intoxication involves: over-excitability, lethargy, loss of coordination, slurred speech, sweating, hypertension, and
involuntary spasmodic movement of the eyeballs. The use of high doses of DXM in combination with alcohol or other
drugs is particularly dangerous, and deaths have been reported. Approximately 5-10% of Caucasians are poor DXM
metabolizers and at increased risk for overdoses and deaths. DXM taken with antidepressants can be life threatening.
OTC products that contain DXM often contain other ingredients such as acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, and
guaifenesin that have their own effects, such as: liver damage, rapid heart rate, lack of coordination, vomiting, seizures,
and coma. To circumvent the many side effects associated with these other ingredients, a simple chemical extraction
procedure has been developed and published on the Internet that removes most of these other ingredients in cough
syrup.

• Drugs causing similar effects:

Depending on the dose, DXM can have effects similar to marijuana or Ecstasy. In high doses its out-of-body effects are
similar to those of Ketamine or PCP.

• Overdose effects:

DXM overdose can be treated in an emergency room setting and generally does not result in severe medical
consequences or death. Most DXM-related deaths are caused by ingesting the drug in combination with other drugs.
DXM-related deaths also occur from impairment of the senses, which can lead to accidents. In 2003, a 14-year-old boy
in Colorado who abused DXM died when he was hit by two cars as he attempted to cross a highway. State law
enforcement investigators suspect that the drug affected the boy’s depth perception and caused him to misjudge the
distance and speed of the oncoming vehicles.

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Depressants Sides Effects

Includes barbiturates (barbs), benzodiazepines (benzos) and
sedative-hypnotics.
Depressants will put you to sleep, relieve anxiety and muscle
spasms, and prevent seizures.Barbiturates are older drugs and
include butalbital (Fiorina®), phenobarbital, Pentothal®,
Seconal® and Nembutal®. You can rapidly develop dependence
on and tolerance to barbiturates, meaning you need more and
more of them to feel and function normally. This makes them
unsafe, increasing the likelihood of coma or death.
Benzodiazepines were developed to replace barbiturates, though they still share many of the undesirable side effects.
Some examples are Valium®, Xanax®, Halcion®, Ativan®, Klonopin® and Restoril®. Rohypnol® is a benzodiazepine
that is not manufactured or legally marketed in the United States, but it is used illegally. Ambien® and Sonata® are
sedative-hypnotic medications approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia that share many of the properties of
benzodiazepines. Other CNS depressants include meprobamate, methaqualone (Quaalude®), and the illicit drug GHB.

• Street names:

Barbs, Benzos, Downers, Georgia Home Boy, GHB, Grievous Bodily Harm, Liquid X, Nerve Pills, Phennies, R2, Reds, 
Roofies, Rophies, Tranks, Yellows.


Looks like:


Depressants come in the form of pills, syrups, and injectable liquids.
Methods of abuse
Individuals abuse depressants to experience euphoria. Depressants are also used with other drugs to add to the other
drugs’ high or to deal with their side effects. Abusers take higher doses than people taking the drugs under a doctor’s
supervision for therapeutic purposes. Depressants like GHB and Rohypnol® are also misused to facilitate sexual
assault.

• Affect on mind:

Depressants used therapeutically do what they are prescribed for to put you to sleep, relieve anxiety and muscle
spasms, and prevent seizures. They also: cause amnesia, leaving no memory of events that occur while under the
influence, reduce your reaction time, impair mental functioning and judgment, and cause confusion. Long-term use of
depressants produces psychological dependence and tolerance.

• Affect on body:

Some depressants can relax the muscles. Unwanted physical effects include slurred speech, loss of motor
coordination, weakness, headache, lightheadedness, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure,
and slowed breathing. Prolonged use of depressants can lead to physical dependence even at doses recommended for
medical treatment. Unlike barbiturates, large doses of benzodiazepines are rarely fatal unless combined with other
drugs or alcohol. But unlike the withdrawal syndrome seen with most other drugs of abuse, withdrawal from
depressants can be life threatening. drugs or alcohol. But unlike the withdrawal syndrome seen with most other drugs of abuse, withdrawal from
depressants can be life threatening.

• Drugs causing similar effects:

Some antipsychotics, antihistamines, and antidepressants produce sedative effects. Alcohol’s effects are similar to
those of depressants.

• Overdose effects:

High doses of depressants or use of them with alcohol or other drugs can slow heart rate and breathing enough to
cause death.

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Amphetamines's Side Effects

Amphetamines are stimulants that speed up the body’s system.
Many are legally prescribed and used to treat attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).



Street names


Bennies, Black Beauties, Crank, Ice, Speed, Uppers
Amphetamines are stimulants that speed up the body’s system.
Many are legally prescribed and used to treat attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Street names
Bennies, Black Beauties, Crank, Ice, Speed, Uppers

Looks like

Amphetamines can look like pills or powder. Common prescription amphetamines include methylphenidate (Ritalin® or
Ritalin SR®), amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall®), and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine®).
Methods of abuse
Amphetamines are generally taken orally or injected. However, the addition of “ice,” the slang name of crystallized
methamphetamine hydrochloride, has promoted smoking as another mode of administration. Just as “crack” is
smokable cocaine, “ice” is smokable methamphetamine.


Affect on mind



The effects of amphetamines and methamphetamine are similar to cocaine, but their onset is slower and their duration
is longer. In contrast to cocaine, which is quickly removed from the brain and is almost completely metabolized,
methamphetamine remains in the central nervous system longer, and a larger percentage of the drug remains
unchanged in the body, producing prolonged stimulant effects. Chronic abuse produces a psychosis that resembles
schizophrenia and is characterized by: Paranoia, picking at the skin, preoccupation with one’s own thoughts, and
auditory and visual hallucinations. Violent and erratic behavior is frequently seen among chronic abusers of
amphetamines and methamphetamine.
Affect on body
Physical effects of amphetamine use include increased blood pressure and pulse rates, insomnia, loss of appetite, and
physical exhaustion.


Looks like


Amphetamines can look like pills or powder. Common prescription amphetamines include methylphenidate (Ritalin® or
Ritalin SR®), amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall®), and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine®).
Methods of abuse
Amphetamines are generally taken orally or injected. However, the addition of “ice,” the slang name of crystallized
methamphetamine hydrochloride, has promoted smoking as another mode of administration. Just as “crack” is
smokable cocaine, “ice” is smokable methamphetamine.


Affect on mind


The effects of amphetamines and methamphetamine are similar to cocaine, but their onset is slower and their duration
is longer. In contrast to cocaine, which is quickly removed from the brain and is almost completely metabolized,
methamphetamine remains in the central nervous system longer, and a larger percentage of the drug remains
unchanged in the body, producing prolonged stimulant effects. Chronic abuse produces a psychosis that resembles
schizophrenia and is characterized by: Paranoia, picking at the skin, preoccupation with one’s own thoughts, and
auditory and visual hallucinations. Violent and erratic behavior is frequently seen among chronic abusers of
amphetamines and methamphetamine.


Affect on body

Physical effects of amphetamine use include increased blood pressure and pulse rates, insomnia, loss of appetite, and  physical exhaustion.

Drugs causing similar effects


Drugs that cause similar effects include: dexmethylphendiate, phentermine, benzphetamine, phendimetrazine, cocaine,
crack, methamphetamine, and khat.
Overdose effects
Overdose effects include agitation, increased body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, and possible death.
Legal status in the United States
Amphetamines are Schedule II stimulants, which means that they have a high potential for abuse and limited medical
uses. Pharmaceutical products are available only through a prescription that cannot be refilled.
Drugs causing similar effects
Drugs that cause similar effects include: dexmethylphendiate, phentermine, benzphetamine, phendimetrazine, cocaine,
crack, methamphetamine, and khat.


Overdose effects


Overdose effects include agitation, increased body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, and possible death.
Legal status in the United States
Amphetamines are Schedule II stimulants, which means that they have a high potential for abuse and limited medical
uses. Pharmaceutical products are available only through a prescription that cannot be refilled.

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