norml22 - Page 34
Page 34
Previous ,
Next ,
Original Image
Return to Index
e_essant_o (CSA Schedule IV) 0 A number of central nervous
system depressants are listed in Schedule IV of the CSA, including
chloral betaine, chloral hydrate; ethchlorvynol_ ethinamate;
meprobamate, paraldehyde, and petrichloral. The National Commission
reported in a U " / , sl/_r_%_ at 93-93_ that these sub-
stances:
have been shown to be capable of producing
barbiturate-like intoxication and inducing
tolerance, dependence; and an abstinence syndrome
strikingly similar to that seen with alcohol and
the barbiturates .... All of the drugs produce
symptoms of intoxication which are similar to one
another and to the barbiturates. Excessive doses
cause varying degrees of drowsiness, confusion, and
motor incoordination with slurred and thick speech,
double vision, staggering and falling. Memory is
impaired, intellectual functions blunted, and
emotional control reduced_ Rage reactions may
occur. Chloral hydrate, a hyposedative introduced
into clinical medicine in 1869_ displays certain
characteristic symptoms not observed with other
drugs in this class; such as scaling of the eyelids
and scalp, and muscle and joint pains which mimic
arthritis. _ . With larger doses respiration and
blood pressure are depressed. The patient may
enter a coma which can be fatal. Such deaths have
been reported following overdosage with meprobamate
.... ethchlorvyno! and ethimate.
A barbiturate-like dependence pattern develops in
those individuals who abuse these agents. During
periods of chronic intoxication, tolerance and
physical dependence develop. Tolerance is usually
correlated with an accelerated hepatic breakdown of
the drug. Ethinamate, however_ does not appear to
stimulate liver enzyme activity_ but nevertheless
induces tolerance o . Abrupt reduction or
discontinuance of dosage precipltates a withdrawal
syndrome similar to that of barbiturism or
alcoholism .... Minor symptoms of anxiety,
tremor; insomnias nausea and vomiting predominate.
Convulsions and delirium have been reported with
all these dependence, which results in withdrawals
delirium, with prominent paranoia, and occasional
tremor .... As in the case of barbiturates, the
ordeal of abstinence may be life-threatening, and
33
Previous ,
Next ,
Return to Index