Depressants are a group of drugs that depress or slow down the activity of certain areas of the brain. Functionally, depressants counter the effects of stimulants, which increase brain activity. Drugs of the depressant type are widely used around the world, as prescription drugs. They can help with the following: Reduce feelings of anxiety or panic Reduce insomnia and other sleeping-problems, and help people sleep better As analgetics they reduce pain and fever To reduce convulsions and seizures, especially in the case of epilepsy Relax muscles, for those with muscle spasms To boost the mood, and cause euphoria To reduce anxiety, that is help people who feel unwell in certain situations To just calm down if needed In addition, they are used (often as illegal drugs)
Big groups
Among the big groups of depressants are: Alcohol Barbiturates Benzodiazepines Opioids Antipsychotics Dissociatives