Which two drug categories are known to lower pulse rate and blood pressure?

The two drug categories known for lowering pulse rate and blood pressure are CNS depressants and narcotic analgesics. CNS depressants work by slowing down brain activity, leading to a calming effect on the central nervous system. This can result in a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure as the body’s stress responses are reduced.

Narcotic analgesics, which are primarily used for pain relief, have similar effects. They act on the body by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, producing effects that lead not only to pain relief but also to respiratory depression and a drop in heart rate and blood pressure. Both categories can induce a sedative effect, thereby affecting the autonomic regulation of cardiovascular functions.

Understanding the effects of these drug categories is crucial in the context of drug recognition as it informs practitioners about the physiological responses associated with intoxication or overdose, aiding in accurate assessments and interventions when necessary.