Depressant drugs, also known as downers, compose a large number of familiar, widely used chemicals. They are also referred to as sedative hypnotics or barbiturates . These drugs can be dangerous when not taken as directed by a physician or pharmacist and are also quite addictive . At high doses, they cause hypnotic effects, that is, they induce sleep. Because of this effect, these drugs have also been called sleeping pills.
Depressant drugs can cause effects closely resembling alcohol intoxication.
As with alcohol intoxication, the operation of an automobile and other machines is especially dangerous. Motor coordination and visual perception may be greatly impaired. These effects are intensified in higher doses. In other words, the more you take, the more depressed your system becomes. Different drugs are lethal in different amounts or in different combinations.