Many people being treated with CNS depressants feel drowsy and lose some coordination for a few days until they get used to the drug’s effect. But if the treatment continues for long periods, the body may develop tolerance to the medication. When tolerance develops, the body will need larger doses for the depressant to work properly. This is one reason why a doctor’s or other healthcare professional's supervision is so important when CNS depressants are being used. And why it’s totally unsafe to misuse them.

• Physical effects can include lowered heart and breathing rates and a drop in blood pressure.

• You may also experience confusion, slurred speech and have trouble concentrating or making good decisions.

• Using alcohol or other medications with CNS depressants can have a similar effect to an overdose. Breathing and heart rates can be decreased to dangerously low levels. Fatally low levels.

• Under certain circumstances, you may develop tolerance to CNS depressants.
  IMPORTANT: It’s the doctor’s or other healthcare professional's job to make these adjustments — not yours.

• Misuse of CNS depressants can lead to addiction for some people.

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