| Reprinted from The Washington Post Club Drugs Tranquilizers and sedatives
Rohypnol, also called roofies, rophies, and forget-me pill. Is a member of the same well-known class of tranquilizers that includes Valium, Halcion, and Xanax. All principally affect GABA receptors, with results ranging from sedation to coma. Served: Produced in pill form but sometimes ground up and snorted. What it does: Affects area of brain involved in memory processing and produces a condition called "retrograde amnesia" that is similar to a blackout. Also lowers blood pressure and can produce gastrointestinal problems, urinary retention, and impaired vision. GHB, gamma-hydroxbutyrate, also called grevious bodily harm, G. Georgia Homeboy and liquid ecstasy. Served: Can be clear liquid or a white powder and produced in tablet or capsule form. What it does: An extremely powerful and fast-acting central nervous system depressant, it produces sedative effects 10 to 30 minutes after ingestion. At low doses, it can relieve anxiety and cause drowsiness, sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and headache. But at higher doses, GHB produces sleep and sometimes coma. Can also slow breathing and heart rate to dangerously low levels, especially when mixed with alcohol. Psychedelic stimulants
Ecstasy, also called XTC, E, X, rolls, and various brand names, contains MDMA, a compound very similar to methamphetamines. But it can also cause hallucinations equivalent to those induced by mescaline, the active ingredient in peyote mushrooms. Served: Produced in pill form, but can be snorted. What it does: The parent compound of MDMA destroys serotonin-producing brain cells at the long-term expense of thought and memory. It typically results in sweating, anxiety, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. Muscle seizures are not uncommon, and users often employ a device to lessen the effects of involuntary jaw clenching. Psychedelic anesthetics
Ketamine, also called K, Special K, vitamin K, and cat valiums. It is chemically similar to PCP, originally developed as an anesthetic but abandoned after hallucinations occurred. Served: Taken in liquid form or as a powder often snorted or smoked with marijuana or tobacco. In some places, injected into muscle tissue. What it does: It affects the function of several neurotransmitters, particularly one called NMDA, and produces a characteristic stupor similar to extreme drunkenness. Panic, rage, and paranoia are typical in users. Also increases blood pressure and can cause potentially fatal breathing problems. Five important neurotransmitters ... Serotonin: Widespread substance that affects mood, appetite, sexual activity, aggression, body temperature, and sleep. Norepinephrine: Regulates blood pressure and prompts extreme arousal, "fight or flight" response, mental focus, and pain reduction. Dopamine: A key compound that is an important part of the brain's "reward" system, causing feelings of wellbeing. GABA: The brain's major inhibiting compound, involved in muscle relaxation, sleep, diminished emotional reaction and sedation. Acetylcholine: Involved in muscle action all over the body; in the brain affects arousal, attention, learning, mood and sleep. · ... and how certain drugs affect them Ecstasy (MDMA): Damages or destroys serotonin neurons, alters balance and action of norepinephrine and dopamine. Alcohol and Tranquilizers: Alcohol increases activity of GABA, inhibits release of acetylcholine and excites dopamine neurons in ventral tegmental area activity. Tranquilizers like Rohypnol boost GABA activity in cerebellum, brain stem, and spinal cord. Psychedelics: Activate some serotonin receptors on post-synaptic cells, change balance and action of norepinephrine and dopamine. Ketamine: Affects special PCP receptors, inhibiting two key neurotransmitters (NMDA and glutamine) and stifling neural activity. [ return to top ] | 
