Question

Amphetamines are central nervous stimulants, barbiturates are
A. CNS stimulants
B. No effect on CNS
C. Hallucinogenic
D. CNS depressants

Answer 1

Hint: The CNS stimulant plays a role in facilitating attention, reducing or curbing fatigue and keeping awake. These are the drug or substances which excite the nervous system. For example nicotine, caffeine.

Complete Answer:
- There are several drugs and substances which bring out an effect in the CNS. These non narcotic drugs are categorised as sleeping aids, tranquilisers, hypnotics, energisers, mood elevators, stimulators etc. These drugs are prescribed by physicians and are habit forming.
- Sedatives and hypnotics produce depression, loss of consciousness. They are hallucinogenic in nature.
- Barbiturates provide immediate relaxation, euphoria, and an improved sense of well being. These drugs are given to patients before surgery. It acts as a CNS depressant. They reduce the nerve activity which helps in relaxation of muscles. They can reduce heart rate, breathing and blood pressure. Their mode of action is they affect the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid which reduces the communication between the two nerves.
- These classes of drugs are used to treat headache, insomnia and seizures. Tranquilizers reduce hyperactivity, anxiety and agitation.

Thus the correct answer is (D). Barbiturates are CNS depressants.

Note: Regular use of barbiturates and other CNS depressants can lead to excess sedation, lethargy and in severe cases coma and death. Other side effects include reduced breathing rate, dizziness, vomiting, abdominal pain, light-headedness, nausea etc. Despite all this, they are used in epilepsy, as anaesthesia. They have an assisted addiction tendency.