Drug Classification Chart
Chart
Type of Drug Description/Origin/For Withdrawal/Tolerance/Ov Administration
ms erdose /Effect/Treatm
ent
Depressants These drugs are used to Anxiety, insomnia, and Depressants can
(Zyprexa, treat mental illnesses and psychosis are some of the be taken as pills
Seroquel, and are also known as withdrawal symptoms of or capsules and
Haldol) downers. The firs depressants. Tolerance to can also be
depressant numerous depressants can injected. These
chlordiazepoxide is rapidly develop, needing drugs lower
supposed to be invented more doses for the same arousal and
accidentally in 1955 by effects. Overdose of stimulation and
Leo Dernbach. These depressants can cause put the patients
drugs are available in the many psychological to sleep.
form of tablets, capsules, disorders.
and liquid1.
Stimulants Stimulants are drugs to Withdrawal from these Patients can take
(Dexedrine, enhance the efficiency of drugs can cause numerous stimulants by
Adderall) the central nervous effects, including slowness mouth or by
system temporarily. The of the central nervous injection. They
first stimulant became system. Tolerance is rapidly stimulate the
famous in the 1930s. developed. Overdose can central nervous.
These drugs come in the suppress the central
form of tablets, capsules, nervous system2.
and liquids.
Opioids They relieve pain. The A person may be addicted They can be
(oxycodone, first opioids were used to them by taking these injected or can
codeine) back in 3400 B.C. These drugs for an extended be taken by
drugs are available in the period. No tolerance is mouth. Opioids
form of lozenges, pills, developed for the drug. attach to the
and injection3. Overdose can cause central nervous
insomnia and addiction. system and stop
the brain from
receiving pain
messages from
the other parts
of the body.
Hallucinogen Hallucinogens can alter These drugs do not cause These drugs are
s (Peyote, human awareness of withdrawal symptoms. mostly injected
Psilocybin) thoughts and feelings. Tolerance can steadily be and can also be
These drugs can be taken developed. Introspection, taken by mouth.
in the form of liquid and panic, and anxiety can be They send false
tablets. They have a long developed by overdosing. messages to
1
Guler, Y., & Ford, A. T. (2010). Anti-depressants make amphipods see the light.
Aquatic Toxicology, 99(3), 397–404.
2
Advokat, C. (2010). What are the cognitive effects of stimulant medications?
Emphasis on adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews (Vol. 34, Issue 8, pp. 1256–1266)
3
Skolnick, P. (2018). The Opioid Epidemic: Crisis and Solutions. In Annual Review
of Pharmacology and Toxicology (Vol. 58, pp. 143–159)
history. brain cells that
can cause
hallucinations4.
Cannabinoid These drugs are used to No withdrawal or tolerance These drugs can
s treat chronic pains and symptoms for the drug have be smoked and
(Cannabidiol) epilepsy. The first been observed. No side can be inhaled
cannabinol was effects were also observed by mouth. These
discovered in 1940. They by overdosing of this drug5. drugs stimulate
can be smoked and come the functions of
in the form of capsules the brain.
and tinctures
Inhalants Inhalants have mind- Patients can be addicted to These drugs are
and Volatile alerting and psychoactive volatile hydrocarbons. inhaled by
hydrocarbon effects. Mudge invented Volatile hydrocarbons can mouth or nose.
the inhaler in 1778. produce alcohol like These drugs
impacts. Overdosing can impact on the
cause disinhibition, nervous system
drowsiness, and agitation. like alcohol.
Volatile
hydrocarbons or
inhalers can
produce
pleasurable
effects by
limiting CNS. On
the other hand,
nitrites help in
relaxing blood
vessels.
Anabolic These drugs are artificial Withdrawal from anabolic These drugs can
Steroids male hormones steroids can cause a lack of be taken by
(Anadrol, testosterone. These drugs energy, along with mouth or can
oxandrin) help to gain weight and decreasing the number of also be injected.
build muscles, mostly in testosterone levels in the They elevate the
males6. They were first blood. There have not been testosterone
discovered in Germany in enough pieces of evidence levels in the
1935. Anabolic steroids to show drug tolerance. blood that result
exist in many forms and Overdose of anabolic in enhancing
types from tablets to steroids can cause coma, and building of
liquids. stroke, and heart attack. muscles and
increase in
weight.
4
Leikin, J. B., Krantz, A. J., Zell-Kanter, M., Barkin, R. L., & Hryhorczuk, D. O.
(1989). Clinical Features and Management of Intoxication Due to Hallucinogenic
Drugs. In Medical Toxicology and Adverse Drug Experience (Vol. 4, Issue 5, pp. 324–
350)
5
Shapiro, D. (1974). The ocular manifestations of the cannabinols.
Ophthalmologica, 168(5), 366–369
6
Hartgens, F., & Kuipers, H. (2004). Effects of androgenic-anabolic steroids in
athletes. In Sports Medicine (Vol. 34, Issue 8, pp. 513–554)
