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KidsHealth > Kids > WORD! A Glossary of Medical Words > D > Word! Depressant


 

Depressant

(En espaƱol: Depresivo)

Say: dih-preh-sunt

Depressants are a kind of drug that, when used as prescribed by a doctor, can help relax muscles or calm nerves. Larger or improperly used doses of depressant drugs can cause confusion, lack of coordination, and shaking. Someone who takes them may have slurred speech, inability to concentrate, and may fall asleep at work or school. Very large doses of depressant drugs can stop your breathing and kill you.




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