Definition for Depressant
From Biology Forums Dictionary
Depressants are drugs that inhibit the function of the central nervous system (CNS) and are among the most widely used drugs in the world. These drugs operate by affecting neurons in the CNS, which leads to symptoms such as drowsiness, relaxation, decreased inhibition, anesthesia, sleep, coma, and even death. All depressants also have the potential to be addictive.
While CNS depressants all share an ability to reduce activity in the central nervous system and lower levels of awareness in the brain, there are important differences among substances within this drug class. Some are safer than others, while others have more potential for use for medicinal purposes.