what is the difference between a anti- depressant and a depressant?
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Q: what is the difference between a anti- depressant and a depressant?
Answers (2)
3/24/09 3:32pm
Hello there
I am thinking that you are wondering if these two terms are opposite in meaning. They are not.
Depressants are the opposite of stimulants. Depressants are medicines or drugs which slow the activity of the central nervous system and can include alcohol, anesthetics, anticonvulsants such as Neurontin, or Benzodiazepines such as Xanax or Valium. Stimulants, on the other hand are substances which stimulate the central nervous system and increase alertness. Basically depressants slow you down and stimulants speed you up.
Antidepressants are medications given for the purpose of decreasing the symptoms of depression.
Does this help any?
Thank you for your question.
3/25/09 3:09pm
Speeking in terms of brain function a depressant has a impact on the brain that slows the central nervous system down and an Anti deppressent is a little different in that it acts most often on dopamine and epinephrine receptors to help balance mood, and give us the chemicals are brains may be lacking to help us.
hope that helps. God Bless
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By emogurl2450— Last Modified: 12/27/10, First Published: 03/24/09
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