Which of the following drugs is known to cause respiratory depression?

Opioids and sedatives are recognized for their potential to cause respiratory depression, a serious condition where breathing becomes inadequate. This effect is particularly pronounced because both drug classes can depress the central nervous system, leading to slowed or shallow breathing.

Opioids, such as morphine and oxycodone, bind to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in pain relief and sedation; however, they also inhibit the brain's ability to maintain normal respiratory drive. Similarly, sedatives, particularly benzodiazepines, also enhance the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), leading to increased sedation and respiratory depression.

In contrast, stimulants generally act to increase alertness and metabolic rate and would not typically lead to respiratory depression. Antibiotics target bacterial infections without directly affecting respiratory drive. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) focus on reducing inflammation and alleviating pain but do not have the respiratory depressant effects associated with opioids and sedatives. This distinction underscores why opioids and sedatives are critically monitored in surgical and anesthesia contexts to prevent respiratory complications.