Understanding CNS Depression and Its Impact on Mental Health
Because inhalants are a heterogeneous collection of chemicals, it can be difficult to summarize drug actions. Inhalants often are allosteric modulators of GABAA receptors as well as antagonists at glutamate NMDA receptors. Both actions result in decreased CNS activity and depressant effect. Barbiturates were routinely used to induce sleep in psychotic patients and were prescribed to treat insomnia and anxiety. Because of their widespread use by children, inhalants are reportedly the fourth-most misused substance after alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana.All content...