In the following chart, be aware that the major effects, symptoms of overdose, possible effects of withdrawal, and acute and chronic effects are only potential characteristics of the noted drugs; moreover, the characteristics may not in fact apply to all drugs within the corresponding drug category.

• alcohol (in beer, wine, liquor)
> • barbiturates (Seconal [“reds,” “red devils”], Nembutal [“yellows,” “yellow jackets”], Tuinal [“rainbows”], Amytal [“blues,” “blue heaven”], Phenobarbital)
• nonbarbiturate sedative-hypnotics (Doriden [“goofballs”], Quaalude [“ludes”], Miltown, Equinil)
> • benzodiazepines (Valium, Librium, Dalmane, Halcion, Xanax, Ativan)
• over-the-counter

• muscle relaxation
> • disinhibition
• reduction in anxiety
• impairment of judgment
• impairment of motor coordination
> • decrease in reflexes
• decrease in pulse rate
> • decrease in blood pressure
• slurred speech
• staggering

Alcohol:
• staggering
• slurred speech
• extreme disinhibition
• blackouts
• vomiting
• possible coma and death

Depressants have a synergistic, or potentiation, effect.

• anxiety
• irritability
• loss of appetite
• tremors
> • insomnia
• seizures
• fever
> • rapid heartbeat
• hallucinations
• death

Alcohol:
• memory loss
• gastritis
• esophagitis
• ulcers
> • pancreatitis
• cirrhosis of the liver
> • high blood pressure
• weakened heart muscles
• damage to fetus

Other depressants:
• family, social, occupational, financial problems
• accidents
• violence