Addiction in pregnant women can lead to premature, stillborn, or addicted infants. These drugs have a moderate to high potential for physical and psychological dependency. The usual methods of administration are oral. Possible effects from these drugs are slurred speech, disorientation, and drunken behavior without odor of alcohol. Shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma, and possible death are effects of overdose.
Withdrawal syndrome includes anxiety, insomnia, tremors, delirium, convulsions, and possible death.
Babies born to mothers who abuse depressants during pregnancy may be physically dependent on the drugs and show withdrawal symptoms shortly after birth. These children may also have birth defects and behavioral problems. There is a possible physical dependence and a high psychological dependence to these drugs. The usual methods of administration are oral, injected and for Cocaine, sniffing and smoking. Possible effects of these drugs are increased alertness, excitation, euphoria, increased pulse rate and blood pressure, insomnia, and loss of appetite.