Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) depressants remain a frequently encountered class of drugs in forensic toxicology. The most commonly encountered group, the benzodiazepines are discussed in Chap. 20. The oldest group of CNS depressants, the barbiturates, are still used therapeutically, principally as anesthetic agents and anticonvulsants. Barbiturates are classified based on their chemical structure, duration of action, and pharmacological properties. Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a simple hydroxylated, short-chain fatty acid with a very short duration of action. However, its detection in biological specimens is complicated by the fact that it is also produced endogenously from the metabolism of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and is produced in postmortem blood specimens. Zolpidem, zopiclone, and zaleplon, collectively known as “z-drugs,” all interact with the GABA receptor in different ways to produce their CNS depressant effects. Some of the newer CNS depressants that are used to manage sleep disorders include melatonin agonists such as ramelteon and tasimelteon, and dual orexin receptor antagonists such as suvorexant. Other sedative-hypnotics, muscle relaxants, and drugs with CNS depressant activity are also discussed.
This is publication 19–20 of the FBI Laboratory Division. Names of commercial manufacturers are provided for identification purposes only, and inclusion does not imply endorsement of the manufacturer or its products or services by the FBI. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the FBI or the US Government.
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Levine, B.S., LeBeau, M. (2020). Miscellaneous Central Nervous System Depressants. In: Levine, B.S., KERRIGAN, S. (eds) Principles of Forensic Toxicology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-42917-1_21
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-42917-1_21
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