Respiratory depression means that a person's rate and depth of breathing are lower than normal. This results in low oxygen levels and high carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Without treatment, the condition can cause life-threatening complications, including coma and death. Respiratory depression refers to a failure of the lungs to exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen. This is a result of slow and shallow breathing.
The condition is also known as central hypoventilation. It is a common physical side effect of many central nervous system depressants such as opioids, GHB, benzodiazepines (in combination with other depressants) and alcohol. Breathing is controlled in the brain by the medulla oblongata, and when the activity of it is suppressed by drugs it decreases the ability to ventilate. The condition can cause acid to build up in the body and lead to respiratory acidosis, a…
