Depressants are drugs that reduce the body’s functioning in  many areas. These drugs lower blood pressure, reduce mental  processing, and slow motor and reaction responses. There are  several types of drugs that can cause a depressing effect on the  body, including tranquilizers, motion sickness medication,  some types of stomach medication, decongestants, and  antihistamines. The most common depressant is alcohol.  Stimulants are drugs that excite the central nervous  system and produce an increase in alertness and activity.  Amphetamines, caffeine, and nicotine are all forms of  stimulants. Common uses of these drugs include appetite  suppression, fatigue reduction, and mood elevation. Some  of these drugs may cause a stimulant reaction, even though  this reaction is not their primary function. In some cases,  stimulants can produce anxiety and mood swings, both of  which are dangerous when flying.  Figure 17-9.  Adverse affects of various drugs.  17-17  Substance  Possible Side Effects Generic Or  Brand Name  Treatment  for  Alcohol  Nicotine  Amphetamines  Caffeine  Antacid  Antihistamines  Aspirin  Beer  Liquor  Wine  Cigars  Cigarettes  Pipe tobacco  Chewing tobacco  Snuff  Ritalin  Obetrol  Eskatrol  Coffee  Tea  Chocolate  No-Doz  Alka-2  Di-Gel  Maalox  Coricidin  Contac  Dristan  Dimetapp  Omade  Chlor-Trimeton  Diphenhydramine  Bayer  Bufferin  Alka-Seltzer  N/A  N/A  Obesity (diet pills)  Tiredness  N/A  Stomach acids  Allergies  Colds  Headaches  Fevers  Aches  Pains  Impaired judgment and perception  Impaired coordination and motor control  Reduced reaction time  Impaired sensory perception  Reduced intellectual functions  Reduced tolerance to G-forces  Inner-ear disturbance and spatial disorientation (up to 48 hours)  Central nervous system depression  Sinus and respiratory system infection and irritation  Impaired night vision  Hypertension  Carbon monoxide poisoning (from smoking)  Prolonged wakefulness  Nervousness  Impaired vision  Suppressed appetite  Shakiness  Excessive sweating  Rapid heart rate  Sleep disturbance  Seriously impaired judgment  Impaired judgment  Reduced reaction time  Sleep disturbance  Increased motor activity and tremors  Hypertension  Irregular heart rate  Rapid heart rate  Body dehydration (through increased urine output)  Headaches  Liberations of carbon dioxide at altitude (distension may cause  acute abdominal pain and may mask other medical problems)  Drowsiness and dizziness (sometimes recurring)  Visual disturbances (when medications also contain antispasmodic drugs)  Irregular body temperature  Variation in rate and depth of respiration  Hypoxia and hyperventilation (two aspirin can contribute to)  Nausea, ringing in ears, deafness, diarrhea, and hallucinations when taken in  excessive dosages  Corrosive action on the stomach lining  Gastrointestinal problems  Decreased clotting ability of the blood (clotting ability could be the difference  between life and death in a survival situation) 