Central nervous system (CNS) Depression - Medtick
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Central nervous system (CNS) Depression

What is it?

The central nervous system (CNS)

The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord.

  • It controls most bodily functions — including breathing and the heart — by sending messages between the brain and other nerves via the spinal cord.

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Central nervous system (CNS) Depression occurs when our body neurological (nerves) system slows down, this can be beneficial when one has anxiety, insomnia and muscle relaxation.

  • However this can be dangerous if one system ‘slows down’ too much and hence slow brain activity and urgent medical attention will be required.
Over the counter medication especially containing pain relief medication: codeine and dihydrocodeine, allergy medication, sleeping medication, can slow the neurological (nerves) system, always let a medical professional know what medication one is taking , especially all drowsy causing medication, painkilling medication, headache medication, epilepsy medication. The healthcare professional may refuse the sale of such medication as one may be at risk of  ‘Central nervous system (CNS) Depression’

There are many conditions and medications (CNS depressants) that can lead to this condition and may factors can cause this condition.

Factors that affect the impact of CNS depression include:

  • The cause
  • The type and dose of a substance
  • The severity of the illness or injury
  • The size of the individual
  • The person’s medical history

Those especially at risk are:

When people use CNS depressants, it can be hazardous for many reasons, including:

  • Dependency
  • withdrawal symptoms when ending their use
  • Overdose
  • Long-term adverse effects
Misuse can also happen if a person uses someone else’s medication, if they take more than the recommended dose, or if they use drugs that a doctor has not prescribed. Such medications used can be high addictive and one may feel they need a more higher dose to achieve the same benefit, this increases the risk of Central nervous system (CNS) Depression.

Cause

Non-drug causes

CNS depression does not only result from the use of medications and other substances.

Non-drug and/or non medication (direct injury to the brain) can also cause CNS depression causes:

  • Brain trauma or severe injury
  • Stroke
  • Infection
  • tumour
  • Aneurysm
  • Decreased blood flow and oxygen to the brain, such as a severe heart attack can also lead to CNS depression.

Other medical conditions that increase the risk of CNS depression include:

Illicit drugs

Medication (especially when misused and overuse) i.e.

Combining different CNS depressants, such as painkillers , alcohol and/or Illicit medication especially when purchasing treatments over the counter in pharmacies can cause CNS depression

Symptoms

  • Aching, painful muscles, muscle cramps/spasms/stiffness?
  • General discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) and/or fatigue (tiredness)?
  • Balance and dizziness problems?
  • Confusion and/or disorientation?
  • Loss of muscle coordination (ataxia) and/or uncontrolled movement and/or jerky movements?
  • Slurred speech or stuttering?
  • Short of breath and/or breathing difficulties (whether after exercise or not) and/or wheezing?
  • Shallow breathing?
  • Altered heart rhythm (slow beating of heart)?
  • One find passing stools difficult (can be painful) and constipated?
  • Dry mouth?
  • Irritated, depressed, anxiety and/or panic attack and/or emotional (laugh or cry for no reason)?
  • Euphoria?
  • Blurred, altered, or double vision?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

  • Reduced heart rate
  • Low breathing rate of fewer than 10 breaths per minute
  • Extreme confusion or memory loss
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Poor judgment
  • Blue lips or fingertips
  • Irritability and aggression
  • Clammy or cold skin
  • Sudden and intense mood swings
  • Slow reflexes

Long-term effects

Continued use of some CNS depressants can be harmful long-term, as the body becomes unable to flush out these substances.

Effects may include:

  • Problems with thought, memory, and judgment
  • Disorientation and confusion
  • Muscle weakness
  • Loss of coordination
  • Slurred speech

MedicalNewsToday

The medications used can be high addictive and one may feel they need a more higher dose to achieve the same benefit, this increases the risk of Central nervous system (CNS) Depression.

If someone has taken heroin, methadone or another opiate and overdoses don’t assume they will come round.

  • Don’t panic
  • Put them in a recovery position
  • Dial for emergency services
  • Give Nalaxone injection (if available):
    1. Get the nalaxone from a safe place you have stored it.
    2. Decide where you are going to inject: On the upper arm muscle or thigh muscle (we want to reduce hitting a nerve or artery).
    3. Hold the syringe at 90 degrees angle about two or three inches from the skin.
    4. Insert the needle with a single quick motion.
    5. Steadily push down on the plunger to the first black line on the syringe (this will inject the first 0.4ml dose).
    6. Pull out the needle and syringe and put it back in the case. Make a note of the time.
    7. If they don’t come round in two minutes, give them another dose of 0.4ml/one black line on the syringe.
    8. If there is any bleeding, apply pressure to the injection site with tissue.
  • Stay with them until the ambulance arrives.

This could save their lives

Prevent and/or reduce risk of  CNS depression:

  • If you have a medical condition that puts you at risk for CNS depression, talk to your doctor. Discuss the best way to manage your health and how to recognize possible complications of your disease early on.
  • When your doctor prescribes a medication, make sure you understand its purpose and how long you’re expected to take it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain the potential risks.

To lower the chances of CNS depression due to substances, follow these tips:

  • Tell your doctor about other medications you take and any other medical conditions you have, including problems with addiction.
  • Follow directions for taking your medications. Never increase the dose without consulting your doctor. Consult with your doctor when you want to stop taking the medication.
  • When taking CNS depressants, don’t drink alcohol or take other medications that are also CNS depressants.
  • Inform your doctor if you’re having troubling side effects.
  • Never share prescription medications with others. Store medicines, alcohol, and other potentially hazardous materials safely away from children and pets.

Healthline

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Central nervous system (CNS) Depression in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

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  • Cleveland Clinic

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  • Mayo Clinic

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  • Drugs.com

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  • National Organisation of Rare Diseases

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  • Verywell Health

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  • Fit for Travel

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  • DR Axe

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References

  • https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314790#symptoms
  • https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/cns-depression#diagnosis-and-treatment

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