Depressants

Sometimes called downers, depressants come in multicolored tablets and capsules or liquid form. Some, like Zyprexa, Seroquel and Haldol, are known as major tranquilizers or antipsychotics, and are used to reduce the symptoms of mental illness. Drugs called benzos (short for benzodiazepines),* such as Xanax, Klonopin, Halcion and Librium, are used for anxiety. Barbiturates like Amytal, Numbutal and Seconal act as sedatives and sleeping pills. Some of the well-known brand and street names are:

* benzodiazepine: a tranquilizer that acts to relax muscles and calm mental excitement

Brand Names

• Ativan
• Halcion
• Klonopin
• Librium
• Valium
• Xanax

Street Names

• Candy
• Downers
• Sleeping Pills
• Tranks

Brand Names

• Amytal
• Nembutal
• Phenobarbital
• Seconal

Street Names

• Barbs
• Phennies
• Red Birds
• Reds
• Tooies
• Yellow Jackets
• Yellows

Depressants: Short‑Term Effects

Short‑term effects of depressants include:

• Slowed brain function
• Slowed pulse and breathing
• Lowered blood pressure
• Poor concentration
• Confusion
• Fatigue*
• Dizziness
• Slurred speech
• Fever
• Sluggishness
• Visual disturbances
• Dilated pupils
• Disorientation, lack of coordination
• Depression
• Difficulty urinating
• Addiction

Depressants can affect memory, judgment and coordination, and may lead to irritability, paranoia† and suicidal thoughts. Some users may become agitated or aggressive.

Combining sedatives—drugs used to calm or relax—with tranquilizers and other depressants like alcohol doubles or triples the drugs’ effects. This severely slows breathing and heart rate, potentially leading to death.

* fatigue: extreme physical or mental tiredness

† paranoia: extreme and unreasonable suspicion, distrust or fear of other people without evidence or justification

Depressants: Long‑Term Effects

Tolerance to depressants can develop quickly, requiring higher doses for the same effect. This increases the risk of overdose, coma or death.

Long-term use of depressants can lead to chronic fatigue, breathing issues, depression, sexual problems and sleep problems. As dependence on the drug increases, cravings, anxiety or panic are common if the user is unable to get more.

Withdrawal from depressants can be life-threatening and include insomnia, weakness, nausea, agitation, high body temperature, delirium, hallucinations and convulsions.

Some antipsychotics can increase the risk of high blood sugar, diabetes and weight gain (instances of as much as 100 pounds gained have been reported).

A study from the National Institutes of Health found that the abuse of some antipsychotics is linked to serious heart problems that can lead to death.

Updated: 2025