Stimulants and depressants are often discussed together, as these are two easy ways to classify most drugs of abuse, as well as many prescription drugs. When looking at uppers vs. downers, there are many differences, but also plenty of similarities. Anyone using these substances medically or recreationally must understand how downers and uppers compare and the risks of combining them.
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- How Do Stimulants And Depressants Differ?
- What Is Uppers And Downers MOA?
- How Are Stimulants And Depressants Used?
- What Are Common And Different Side Effects?
- How Can One Identify Signs Of Abuse?
- Can One Mix Stimulants And Depressants?
What Is The Difference Between Stimulants And Depressants?
Stimulants and depressants are among the most commonly abused types of drugs. Because they are frequently discussed together, not everyone understands the difference between stimulants and depressants. In essence, this comes down to how they impact the central nervous system. Stimulants increase its activity; depressants reduce it.
Both depressants and stimulants are made as prescription medications and street drugs. Examples of uppers and downers include:
Stimulants:
Depressants:
It is important to note that even if someone has a prescription for a depressant or stimulant, there is still a risk of abuse and developing an addiction.
Uppers And Downers Mechanism Of Action
Mechanism of action describes how stimulants work and how depressants work. Essentially, this explains the specific effects these medications have on the body. The MOA is central to both the therapeutic benefits of stimulants and depressants and the highs they can produce.
MOA In Different Body Systems
Both downers and uppers primarily interact with the central nervous system. Uppers impact the CNS by stimulating it or making it more active. Downers inhibit the actions of the CNS. Through their impact on the CNS, both stimulants and depressants impact other bodily systems.
For example, interacting with the cardiac system, uppers will cause the heart rate to accelerate and the blood pressure to rise. With depressants, the effect is the exact opposite. The cardiac system will slow, resulting in a slower pulse and lower blood pressure. They also both impact the digestive system; stimulants increase metabolism and even cause diarrhea, while depressants slow things down, making it easier to gain weight and experience constipation.
However, stimulants are not likely to change the respiratory system. Yet this is an effect of downers. In fact, respiratory depression is often the greatest risk associated with depressant use.
MOA In The Brain
The core of the MOA of both stimulants and depressants is in the brain. Stimulants usually increase the activity of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. In general, depressants increase the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical that inhibits brain activity. However, because each drug is different, their effects on brain chemicals can vary.
Uses Of Stimulants And Depressants
Also, important to understand when looking at stimulants vs. depressants is how their uses differ. Both stimulants and depressants are found in prescription form and have medical applications. In some cases, these overlap, but most of the time, they diverge. Below, there is a quick comparison of the uses of stimulants and depressants.