Prescription sedatives and tranquilizers are a group of drugs that work by slowing down the normal activitites of the brain. Doctors prescribe these drugs to their patients for the purpose of:

• relieving anxiety and tension
• helping people sleep

Three different classes of drugs are used for these purposes.

• Benzodiazepines include drugs such as Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, Librium, Halcion, Prosom, Lexotan, Rohypnol, Versed, Mogadon, Serax, Restoril, Normison, Planum, Tenox, and Temaze.
• Barbiturates include drugs such as Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, and Luminal.
• Non-benzodiazepine sleep medications include drugs such as Ambien, Sonata, and Lunesta.

Some people incorrectly think it is safe to use these drugs for their pleasant calming effects because they are legal and prescribed by doctors. However, inappropriate use of prescription sedatives & tranquilizers can be addictive and have a variety of dangerous side effects.

Nonmedical use of prescription sedatives & tranquilizers: Most people use prescription sedatives & tranquilizers for legitimate medical reasons under the guidance of a doctor. However, some people take prescription sedatives & tranquilizers simply for enjoyment because these drugs can produce:

• pleasant feelings of relaxation and happiness

In addition to these pleasant sensations, prescription sedatives & tranquilizers can also cause

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• loss of coordination
• confusion and impaired judgment
• slurred speech

Effects on the body: Prescription sedatives and tranquilizers are nervous system depressants. In high doses, some of these drugs can cause

• decreased heart rate
• slow breathing
• decreased blood pressure
• small pupils

How are prescription sedatives & tranquilizers taken? Prescription sedatives & tranquilizers are usually swallowed as pills.

Risk of addiction: Prolonged use of prescription sedatives & tranquilizers can lead to addiction.

Overdose: High doses of some prescription sedatives & tranquilizers can cause extreme drowsiness, stupor, severely low blood pressure, impaired or stopped breathing, loss of consciousness, coma, and death.

How are prescription sedatives & tranquilizers produced? Prescription sedatives & tranquilizers are synthesized by drug companies for medical use. Doctors can legally prescribe these drugs to their patients to relieve anxiety and tension, and to help people sleep. However, it is illegal to use such drugs if they were prescribed for another person.

How quickly do prescription sedatives & tranquilizers act? Prescription sedatives & tranquilizers typically exert their effects within an hour, and the effects may last anywhere from a few hours to a day or more, depending on the drug.

Drug tests for prescription sedatives & tranquilizers: Most prescription sedatives & tranquilizers can be detected in the urine using specialized drug tests that are designed for this purpose.

How many students abuse prescription sedatives & tranquilizers? About 6% of 12th graders have used prescription sedatives or tranquilizers illegally within the past year.