Drug Induced CNS Depression

Overview

The central nervous system or CNS includes the brain and the spinal cord where it sends nerve impulses all over the body and controls bodily functions. Drug-induced CNS depression is caused by drugs such as barbiturates, opioids, and benzodiazepines. These drugs cause CNS depression as they inhibit and suppress brain activities. However, it depends on the type of drug used, the dosage of the drug, combination of drugs and misuse of the drugs. Some of the drug-induced CNS depression signs and symptoms are disorientation, confusion, muscle weakness, cold clammy skin, slurring of speech, reduced heart rate, reduced breathing rate, slow reflexes, blurring of vision, double vision and loss of coordination. It can also cause severe symptoms leading to coma and death. Drug-induced CNS depression can be life-threatening and it is treated based on the causes. Usually, antidotes are given to reverse the effect of the drug that caused CNS depression.