Which class of drugs are known for depressing the central nervous system and lowering heart rate?

Barbiturates are a class of drugs specifically known for their ability to depress the central nervous system (CNS). They are often used as sedatives and anesthetics, and their primary action involves enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). By increasing GABA activity, barbiturates slow down brain activity, which can lead to a decrease in heart rate and general CNS depression.

Patients may use barbiturates for anxiety relief, seizure control, or as sleep aids, although their use has declined due to potential for abuse and a high risk of overdose. Understanding the specific impacts of barbiturates on body functions is crucial, especially in clinical settings where monitoring of vital signs such as heart rate is essential.

In contrast, analgesics generally relieve pain without necessarily affecting the CNS in the same depressant manner, stimulants actually increase heart rate and alertness, and antidepressants primarily work through various mechanisms to alleviate depressive symptoms without the same level of CNS depression as barbiturates.