Central nervous system, drugs acting alcohol

Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder. Numerous medicines and drugs of abuse can produce panic attacks. Panic attacks can be triggered by central nervous system stimulants such as cocaine, methamphetamine, caffeine, over-the-counter herbal stimulants such as ephedra, or any of the medications commonly used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD, including psychostimulants and modafinil. Thyroid supplementation with thyroxine (Synthroid) or triiodothyronine (Cytomel) can rarely produce panic attacks. Abrupt withdrawal from central nervous system depressants such as alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines can cause panic attacks as well. This can be especially problematic with short-acting benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax), which is an effective treatment for panic disorder but which has been associated with between dose withdrawal symptoms. 

Katzung PHARMACOLOGY, 9e > Section V. Drugs That Act in the Central Nervous System > Chapter 23, The Alcohols > ... 

Central nervous system depression is multiplied when BZDs are taken with other downers interaction with alcohol can be lethal, even after only a few pills and a couple of drinks. The drugs last for a very long time in the body tis sues, and people may not be aware that even a short-acting sleeping pill such as Halcion can have aftereffects the next day. Longer-acting BZDs can last for several days. 

Drugs and chemicals are known to cause activated interaction. The depressant action of opioid drugs is enhanced by drugs acting on the central nervous system (CNS) such as alcohol, anesthetics, anxiolytics, hypnotics, tricyclic antidepressants, and antipsychotics. Concomitant administration of opioid analgesics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) should be avoided, or extra care should be taken if such a therapy is inevitable. Fatal reactions are reported when treated along with selegiline. Interactions also are reported with cyclizine, cimetidine, mexiletine, cisapride, metoclopramide, or domperidone. 

These drugs decrease pain, increase range of motion and have a sedative effect on the patient. Centrally acting muscle relaxants should not be taken concurrently with central nervous system depressants such as barbiturates, narcotics, and alcohol. 

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