What Are Barbiturates? Barbiturate Overdose Risks. Barbiturates Examples. Barbiturates Drugs Uses, Types, Side Effects & Addiction Treatment. Prescription Barbiturates vs Barbiturates Street Names.

What Are Barbiturates?

What’s a Barbiturate? These sedative-hypnotic medications have been trusted for over a century to treat various conditions, from seizures to migraines to insomnia. Barbiturates make you feel relaxed and sleepy. They block or prevent convulsions and seizures. Barbiturates boost a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which slows down the brain’s activity. Barbiturates are synthetic drugs. While they may be less prevalent now due to concerns about misuse and side effects, they still stand as a reliable backup treatment when all else fails. Learn more about What are Barbiturates below.

Definition

What is a Barbiturate Today?

Barbiturates were historically used for medical purposes, such as sedation, anesthesia, and the treatment of sleep disorders and seizures. However, their use has significantly declined in recent years due to the development of safer and less addictive alternatives.

Today, barbiturates are less commonly prescribed compared to other medications. Other drugs, such as benzodiazepines, for many medical indications have largely replaced them. However, some barbiturates, such as phenobarbital, are still used in specific medical settings to treat certain seizure disorders.

Barbiturates Quick Reference Guide

What are Barbiturates Quick Reference Guide?

What are Barbiturates?	Barbiturates are a class of sedative and hypnotic drugs that depress the central nervous system (CNS) |
Barbiturates Definition	They are chemically derived from barbituric acid and act as central nervous system depressants. Barbiturates boost levels of GABA, a key chemical that calms and slows down the activity of your brain cells.
What are Barbiturates Used for?	Barbiturates are primarily used as sedatives, anesthetics, and anticonvulsants. Barbiturates can help you relax, combat seizures, and achieve blissful sleep. Whether for anesthesia, epilepsy treatment, or relief from insomnia.
Barbiturates Overdose	An overdose of barbiturates can lead to severe respiratory depression, coma, and even death
Barbiturates Examples / Barbiturates List	Phenobarbital, Pentobarbital, Amobarbital, Secobarbital, Butalbital
Barbiturates Street Names	Barbs- Downers- Sleepers- Yellow jackets- Red Devils

What Is A Barbiturate’s Definition?

What Is A Barbiturate Table?

Barbiturates are a class of sedative-hypnotic drugs that depress the central nervous system. They are prescribed for various medical purposes, such as treating anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders. However, misuse or overdose of barbiturates can be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening.

Newer and better drugs have replaced Barbiturates drugs. Yet, Barbiturates still play a crucial role in treating stubborn seizures. Phenobarbital is a go-to for those who haven’t responded to initial treatments. Review the below “What Is A Barbiturate Table?” as a quick reference guide to prescription Barbiturates.

Barbiturates Facts	Barbiturates Description
Definition	Barbiturates are a class of drugs that depress the central nervous system, used primarily for sedation, sleep induction, or as anticonvulsant medication.
Common Barbiturates	Phenobarbital, Pentobarbital, Secobarbital, Amobarbital, Butalbital, Thiopental, Methohexital, and others.
Medical Uses	Sedation, sleep induction, anticonvulsant, anesthesia (rarely used nowadays), anxiety relief (limited due to addiction potential).
Risks and Side Effects	High potential for abuse, addiction, tolerance, and overdose. Side effects include drowsiness, confusion, respiratory depression, and coma.
Withdrawal and Dependency	Barbiturate withdrawal can be severe, potentially resulting in life-threatening symptoms such as seizures and delirium.
Current Medical Practices	Barbiturates are rarely prescribed due to their high risks. Safer alternatives, such as benzodiazepines and non-barbiturate sedatives, are preferred.
Legal Status and Regulation	Barbiturates are classified as controlled substances and closely regulated due to their potential for abuse and addiction.
Medical Supervision and Safety	Barbiturates should only be used under strict medical supervision. Abruptly stopping or misusing barbiturates can be dangerous and potentially fatal.
Historical Context	Barbiturates were widely prescribed in the past but have been largely replaced by safer medications due to their associated risks.

In the past, barbiturates were commonly used for anesthesia during surgeries to induce deep sleep. However, there are now better medications available for this purpose.

What Are Barbiturates Used For Typically?

Barbiturates’ most typical uses are for anesthesia, treating epilepsy and nonpileptic seizures, insomnia, and other similar conditions. For over 100 years, barbiturates have been used for ailments like seizures, migraines, insomnia, etc. They are rarely used today because of the risk of abuse and their related adverse effects. Nevertheless, they are an infrequent backup treatment when other drugs don’t work.

Effects

Barbiturates‘ Effects: Effective, Reliable, and Versatile

Barbiturates drugs trusted and backed by decades of research, offer a range of advantages. When first-line medications fall short, barbiturates become a reliable backup option.

One of the notable benefits of barbiturates is their duration of action. Some medications provide quick relief, making them ideal for short medical procedures. Others offer hours or even days of effectiveness, making them a preferred choice in preventing seizures.

To help you understand their varying effects, barbiturates are categorized based on timing:

• Ultra-short-acting: Methohexital, for instance, wears off within 15 minutes when given intravenously and within 45 to 60 minutes in suppository form.
• Short-acting: Pentobarbital and secobarbital last approximately three to four hours.
• Intermediate-acting: Amobarbital and butalbital fall into this category, with amobarbital lasting four to six hours and butalbital typically providing relief for up to four hours.
• Long-acting: Phenobarbital exemplifies long-acting barbiturates, offering effects lasting up to 12 hours, with traces remaining in your system for several days.

Barbiturates offer proven efficacy, versatility, and reliable relief.

Overdose

Overdose

Barbiturate overdose occurs when an individual takes more than the prescribed or therapeutic dosage, leading to excessive depression of the central nervous system. This can happen accidentally due to miscalculated dosages or intentionally through recreational abuse. Combining barbiturates with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol or opioids, can significantly increase the risk of overdose.

Overall, barbiturate overdose is a severe medical emergency that requires prompt intervention. It is crucial to seek immediate medical assistance to ensure the individual’s safety and well-being.

Barbiturates Overdose Effects

The effects of barbiturate overdose can range from mild to severe, depending on the amount taken and individual factors. Common symptoms include slowed breathing and respiratory depression, extreme drowsiness, confusion, impaired cognitive function, loss of coordination, slurred speech, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, coma, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and even death.

Treatment for barbiturate overdose focuses on providing supportive care and addressing the immediate health risks. Medical professionals may administer activated charcoal to absorb any remaining barbiturates in the stomach. Vital signs, such as heart rate and oxygen levels, will be closely monitored. Oxygen therapy may be provided, and specific antidotes or medications can be used to reverse the effects of the overdose.

Complications resulting from the overdose, such as respiratory distress or cardiac issues, will be treated accordingly. In some cases, life support measures may be necessary.

When a barbiturate overdose is suspected, immediate medical attention is essential. Emergency medical services should be contacted, or the person should be taken to the nearest emergency room. It is vital to provide accurate information about the overdose, including the type and amount of medication involved.

Barbiturates Overdose Emergency

Barbiturates Overdose – What to do?

Recognizing a barbiturate overdose and knowing when to seek emergency medical attention can mean the difference between life and death. Symptoms similar to alcohol intoxication, such as trouble breathing, confusion, passing out, and a slow or fast pulse, may indicate an overdose. Other signs include dizziness, nausea, low body temperature, muscle weakness, extreme thirst, a bluish tint to the lips or fingernails, and abnormal eye movement or pupil size. If you experience these symptoms, don’t hesitate to go to the emergency room for immediate care.

Go To Your Local Emergency Room: When barbiturates overdose becomes dangerous.

Identify the symptoms of barbiturate overdose – they may mimic alcohol intoxication. Look for:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Confusion or impaired thinking.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Abnormally slow or fast heartbeat.
• Dizziness and vertigo.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Hypothermia (low body temperature).
• Muscle weakness.
• Extreme thirst.
• Bluish lips or fingernails.
• Unusual eye movements or pupil size.

Learn more:

Barbiturate Overdose

Dangers

Discover the Risks of Barbiturates: Tolerance, Addiction, and Health Complications

Barbiturates, once commonly used, now pose significant risks due to their side effects. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Tolerance, Dependence, and Addiction: Barbiturates may lead to tolerance, meaning higher doses are required for the same effect. This can escalate to dependence, where stopping the drug causes unpleasant symptoms. In severe cases, addiction can disrupt your life as you compulsively seek and use the drug despite adverse consequences.
2. Heart and Breathing Disruptions: Barbiturates decrease heart rate and blood pressure. Taking too much can result in life-threatening breathing problems. Mishandling these medications can have dire consequences.
3. Interactions with other Medications: Barbiturates affect the liver, causing it to process certain drugs too quickly. This reduces the effectiveness of other medications taken alongside barbiturates.
4. Potential Risks in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnant individuals should avoid barbiturates as they may affect fetal development. Additionally, these drugs can pass through breast milk.

Stay informed about the risks associated with Barbiturates to make well-informed decisions about your health.

What Are Barbiturates Used For?

Barbiturates are used for treating:

• Anxiety.
• Preventing seizures.
• Insomnia.
• Pre-anesthesia sedation.
• High skull cerebrospinal fluid pressure (intracranial hypertension).

Barbiturates are now rarely prescribed, as they have a high potential for abuse, overdose, and addiction. Safer alternatives with fewer associated risks have been developed and are preferred in modern medical practices.

Barbiturates Definition

Like sleeping pills, barbiturates are defined as “downers.” They work by making your nervous system and the brain less active. This makes the individual feel calm. Barbiturates can affect judgment and memory. Barbiturates can also make individuals angry, depressed, and tired and cause mood swings. Since they’re stronger than most sleeping pills, they are more dangerous when abused. Individuals can develop tolerance to this drug, so they use it more. Using them regularly and for a long time can muscle weakness, cause liver damage, and bone pain.

Physician Barbiturates Use

Barbiturates have a long and complex history in the medical field. Initially, it was common to utilize Barbiturates during surgical procedures for profound anesthetic effects. However, today, more effective alternatives are available. Despite the change, Barbiturates remains a viable treatment option for specific conditions. Especially when combined with other medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol® or Paracetamol®).

Conditions Barbiturates Are Used For

Barbiturates are powerful medications used to treat various conditions, from:

• Intractable seizures.
• Insomnia.
• Intracranial hypertension
• Anesthesia sedation.

While the pre-anesthesia sedative properties and anxiety reduction effects have made them popular in certain countries, newer drugs that can provide similar results without some concerning side effects mean that barbiturates may become less common for these uses in the future beyond the United States.

What Are Barbiturates Effects?

Barbiturates’ effects range from mild sedation to coma, with their indications ranging from sedatives (depressants), hypnotics, anticonvulsants, or as part of anesthesia. Some barbiturates are also used to relieve anxiety or tension before surgery. At relatively low doses, barbiturates may make someone seem drunk or intoxicated.

Are Barbiturates Addictive?

Barbiturates are addictive. Individuals who take barbiturates become physically dependent on them.

Barbiturate Withdrawal 

Stopping barbiturate use can lead to barbiturate withdrawal, which can be life-threatening. Tolerance to the mood-altering effects of barbiturates develops rapidly with repeated use. However, tolerance to the lethal effects develops more slowly, and the risk of severe poisoning increases with continued use.

What are Barbiturates Used for Now That’s Permissible?

Nowadays, barbiturate drugs are typically only used to treat severe and extreme cases of insomnia. These drugs also help control epilepsy seizures and are an adjunct to anesthesia in some cases.

Despite their potential risks, barbiturates such as phenobarbital are still utilized to treat life-threatening conditions. Specifically, epileptic seizures that don’t respond to other drugs. This shows how invaluable they can be in managing and controlling severe medical issues.

It should be noted that According to the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) [2], barbiturates are Schedule II, III, and IV depressants under the Controlled Substances Act.

What Drugs Are Barbiturates? Examples of Barbiturates Drugs.

Are you wondering, “What are barbiturates examples?” or “Which drugs are barbiturates?”

Below is a list of Barbiturates:

1. Amobarbital.

Generally referred to as “sodium amytal,” this barbiturate drug earned its notoriety as a truth serum since it proved effective when given to a person during interrogation. While it doesn’t compel people to tell the truth, amobarbital can slow the central nervous system to make concentration more difficult. The theory was that someone who asked a question while under the influence of amobarbital would be less likely to think of a false answer, which requires more focus than simply telling the truth.

2. Butalbital.

This short-acting barbiturate drug is often used to treat headaches and migraines, often combined with aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine. It was sold under the brand names Fioricet and Fiorinal. It’s also been used as an anesthetic and as a sedative.

3. Phenobarbital.

This barbiturate drug was used to treat seizures in young children due to its effectiveness as an anticonvulsant. It also has been used to treat drug withdrawal (mainly from other barbiturates), anxiety, and sleep aid.

4. Secobarbital.

Sold in the U.S. as Seconal, beginning in 1934, this barbiturate drug was a widely-prescribed sleep aid. It’s the most-used drug in doctor-assisted suicides in the U.S.

5. Pentobarbital.

Used as an anesthetic in animals, these barbiturate drugs, formerly used to treat convulsions and seizures, have the dubious distinction of being one of the preferred drugs used for state executions in the U.S.

6. Methohexital.

Methohexital is an invaluable tool for anesthesia in quick medical exams and treatments. It’s beneficial during electroconvulsive therapy, bringing relief to those undergoing this treatment option.

7. Primidone.

Primidone is a powerful medication that effectively prevents convulsions and sudden seizures. Its unwavering efficacy provides peace of mind for at-risk people, offering protection against debilitating episodes.

Popular Prescription Barbiturates

The most commonly prescribed barbiturates are pentobarbital, phenobarbital, and secobarbital. These treat anxiety, seizures, sleep disorders, and pain relief. However, they all have the potential for abuse and addiction, so careful monitoring and regulation by a physician is vital for safe use.

Barbiturate Overdose Meaning

A Barbiturate overdose happens when someone takes more than the average or recommended amount of this medicine. A barbiturate overdose can be by accident or on purpose.

Barbiturates overdose is life-threatening. Therefore, barbiturate drugs such as hypnotics or sedatives to relieve daytime restlessness or insomnia caused by everyday stresses are no longer recommended. As a result of these potentially life-threatening side effects, the use of barbiturates for these purposes has been replaced with safer medications.

Learn More About Barbiturate Overdose

What Are Barbiturates Used For Today?

Barbiturates were first introduced for medical use in the 1900s. Today, barbiturates can be found for minimal medical use. Barbiturates used to be regularly prescribed to treat depression, insomnia, and anxiety. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), Barbiturates cause sleepiness and relaxation.

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Barbiturates Alcohol Dangers

Combining two types of drugs is never a good idea. It’s hazardous to take Barbiturates with heroin or alcohol. Barbiturates, alcohol, and heroin make the nervous system and the brain less active. The nervous system controls breathing, so if someone combines drugs, a barbiturate overdose can become more likely, wherein a person is more susceptible to stop breathing and dying.

What are Barbiturates’ Side Effects?

Barbiturates are a class of sedative drugs indicated for treating anxiety, insomnia, and other medical conditions. Barbiturates act on the central nervous system to slow brain activity, and when taken in large doses, they can cause:

• Respiratory depression.
• Coma, and even death.
• Barbiturates are highly addictive and should be used with caution.

Most Common Barbiturates Side Effects

When used as a short-term medication, barbiturates can effectively relieve symptoms of anxiety and insomnia, provide pre-surgical sedation, and act as anticonvulsants for those with seizure disorders. Like most drugs, barbiturates drugs have side effect profiles. Chronic abuse of these drugs can produce several dangerous effects, such as:

High doses or barbiturate overdose can result in coma and significant brain and other organ damage.

Effects Of Barbiturate Drugs

What are some of the effects of barbiturates? Barbiturates slow down the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) similarly to alcohol. They may be classified as ultra-short, short, intermediate, or long-acting, depending on how fast they produce results and the duration of those effects.

In the case of long-acting barbital and phenobarbital, their effects may last up to 1 day. Usually, these long-acting barbiturates are used with other medications to prevent convulsions in epilepsy.

The effects of intermediate-acting barbiturates, like butabarbital sodium, last between six and twelve hours, and these are used to treat people who have insomnia. Pentobarbital is an example of a short-acting barbiturate used to help someone suffering from insomnia fall asleep.

The ultra-short-acting barbiturate thiamylal is administered as an injection to cause unconsciousness in patients about to undergo surgery. Gaseous anesthetics maintain the patient’s unconsciousness throughout the surgical procedure.

Small doses of barbiturates can make individuals feel uninhibited, relaxed, mildly euphoric, free of anxiety, and sleepy. Significant amounts can cause stress, hostility, body ataxia, paranoia, slurred speech, and suicidal thoughts. The risk of falling over or having an accident increases as the dose of barbiturates grows.

With prolonged use, tolerance can quickly develop. To this end, tolerance happens when larger doses than the original are needed to produce the same effects. This can increase the risk of overdose, signs of which include rapid and weak pulse, shallow breathing, dilated pupils, clammy skin, coma, and even death as a result of the severe depression of both the respiratory and the central nervous system.

What Do Barbiturate Drugs Feel Like?

Drugs called barbiturates induce relaxation and sleep. When a patient consumes more barbiturates than is typical or advised, an overdose of these drugs results, either by chance or by purpose, this may occur. A drug overdose poses a risk to life.

Barbiturates might make you appear drunk or intoxicated at relatively low doses.

Addiction to barbiturates exists. They cause physical dependence in their users. Withdrawing from them (stopping them) can be fatal. Barbiturates’ ability to modify mood quickly leads to tolerance with continued use. However, tolerance to the deadly effects spreads more slowly, and continuing usage raises the danger of severe poisoning.

Short-Term Effects of Barbiturate Drugs

Barbiturates are efficient short-term painkillers that can provide:

• Presurgical sedation.
• Anticonvulsant effects for people with seizure disorders.
• Relief from insomnia and anxiety symptoms.

Popular Barbiturates Drug FAQs

What is Barbiturate Overdose?

Barbiturate overdose is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by using barbiturates at excessive levels. Symptoms can include confusion, slurred speech, slow or shallow breathing, and loss of consciousness. If you believe someone has overdosed on barbiturates, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Barbiturates are dangerous drugs. They work by depressing the central nervous system, slowing the body’s activities and processes. Because of this, they can be used medically to treat seizures and sleep troubles, but they can also lead to severe and potentially deadly consequences when misused. Overdosing on barbiturates can cause slowed heart rate, seizures, coma, and even death.

Primary Barbiturate Overdose Symptoms 

The symptoms of a barbiturate overdose can include confusion, trouble breathing, dizziness, extreme drowsiness, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness. If an overdose is suspected, medical attention should be sought immediately.

A Barbiturate overdose can have severe and long-term health effects, such as brain damage, liver damage, kidney damage, respiratory failure, and death. It’s essential to seek medical help immediately if an overdose is suspected, as treatment can help reduce the risks of severe complications and death.

Accidental Barbiturate Overdose

Accidental barbiturate overdose usually happens when too much of the drug is taken at once, either due to misuse or from taking more than the recommended dosage. Symptoms of accidental barbiturate overdose include confusion, slurred speech, slowed reaction time, slowed breathing, and in severe cases, coma. Treatment for an unintentional barbiturate overdose involves seeking immediate medical attention.

Barbiturate Overdose Risks

Barbiturates have a low therapeutic index—meaning there’s a relatively thin line between the dose needed to achieve therapeutic effects and one that will result in harmful consequences. Overdose can be a hazardous side effect of barbiturate abuse, especially when polydrug use involves substances like heroin and alcohol.

If a barbiturate overdose is suspected, seek medical help immediately by calling 911. Upon arrival, experts will take and monitor an individual’s vital signs and screen them for substances. Overdose can result in severe injury due to reduced motor function and the possible results of a fall. Such damages can include head and neck injuries, which can have long-term health effects on a person.

Kidney injury and muscle damage are also possible due to a lack of awareness of surroundings and an individual’s ability to lie on a hard surface for a prolonged period. Aspiration of the lungs is also possible, and the most extreme cases can result in coma and death.

What Are Barbiturates’ Abuse Symptoms?

Symptoms of barbiturate intoxication and overdose include:

Excessive and long-term use of barbiturates, such as phenobarbital, may produce the following chronic symptoms:

Symptoms of Barbiturate Overdose

Barbiturate intoxication and overdose symptoms include:

• The changed state of consciousness.
• Thinking difficulty.
• Sleepiness or coma.
• Poor decision-making.
• Coordination failure.
• Breathing is shallow.
• Slurred, slow speech.
• Sluggishness.
• Staggering, balance difficulties.

Excessive and long-term use of barbiturates, such as phenobarbital, may result in the chronic symptoms listed below:

• Changes in vigilance.
• Reduced performance.
• Irritability.
• Memory lapses.

Barbiturate Overdose Treatment

The treatment for a barbiturate overdose depends on the overdose’s severity and the person affected’s medical condition. Treatment may include supportive care, such as providing oxygen and intravenous (IV) fluids, and medications to reverse the effects of the drug, such as flumazenil or naloxone. Dialysis or hemoperfusion may sometimes remove the drug from the bloodstream.

In extreme cases, where a barbiturate overdose is severe, and an individual has stopped breathing or is having a seizure, it may be necessary to use a machine to temporarily enable living for the individual (called mechanical ventilation) or to give the individual electric shocks to stop the seizure, as well as to provide supportive care.

Barbiturate Overdose Death 

Barbiturate overdose deaths typically occur due to respiratory depression, which causes the individual to stop breathing. There is also a risk of seizures, cardiac arrest, and coma in severe cases. Immediate medical attention is needed to treat a barbiturate overdose.

Barbiturate overdose is typically caused by taking an overdose of a barbiturate drug, either accidentally or intentionally. Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants that have a soothing effect, slow down breathing, reduce alertness, and can even cause coma. Symptoms of barbiturate overdose include slow and shallow breathing, slowed reaction time, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness, and severe coma. Treatment involves immediate medical attention. If the individual cannot be treated promptly,

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Barbiturates Drug Addiction Statistics

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2018, approximately 1.7 million people in the United States reported misusing prescription sedatives like barbiturates in the past year. Between 1999 and 2017, there was a 68% increase in the number of deaths involving barbiturates in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2017, there were 1,480 deaths involving barbiturates in the United States.

Although the statistics for the barbiturate drug class are not as well known, it is well known that a severe health risk is associated with barbiturate abuse. According to research, 9% of Americans will misuse barbiturates and or barbiturates-like medications at some point.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, barbiturate abuse is less common than other abused drugs. However, it is estimated that around 0.7% of Americans aged 12 and up have misused barbiturates within the past year. The drug’s abuse has been linked to a higher risk of a Barbiturate overdose and is especially dangerous if used with alcohol or other drugs.

Barbiturate Drug Street Names

Many different names frequently refer to barbiturates. Some barbiturates street names are used to refer to specific barbituates include: 

• Amobarbital: Blue Heavens, Blue Velvet, Blue Devils, Downers.
• Pentobarbital: Abbots, Nembies, Yellowjackets, Mexican yellows.
• Phenobarbital: Goof balls, Purple hearts.
• Secobarbital: Redbirds, Reds, Red devils, Lilly, F-40s, Pinks, Pink ladies, Seggy.
• Tuinal: Rainbows, Reds and Blues, Tooies, Double trouble, Gorilla pills, F-66s.

Other common street names for barbiturate drugs are:

• Blue Bullets.
• Blue Birds.
• Blue Angels.
• Blue Tips.
• Pink Ladies.
• Red Bullets.

• Blue Dolls.
• Green Frog.
• Green Dragons.
• Marshmallow Reds.
• Rainbows.
• Strawberries.

Most Common Prescribed Barbiturates Drug

If you are wondering, “What are prescription barbiturates?”, “What pills are barbiturates?”, “What medications are barbiturates?” or “What drugs are considered barbiturates,” below is a list of common examples of barbiturates and their side effects:

Phenobarbital

It is one of the most well-known and commonly used barbiturates still in use today. Phenobarbital’s purpose is to maintain insomnia, seizures, and anxiety.

The side effects of Phenobarbital are:

Secobarbital barbiturates drug.

The Secobarbital barbiturate is more commonly known by its street name, “Pink Ladies,” In the medical setting, it is most frequently used for anesthesia in humans and euthanasia in pets. It is a widespread medication in presurgical sedation but has very high addiction rates when used recreationally.

Secobarbital is not an anti-anxiety medication, as it is reported to develop a tolerance in as little as two weeks. Outside of the surgery setting, it is used in hospitals or detox facilities on a short-term basis only to treat people with insomnia who are already addicted to barbiturates. Other than that, it is one of the most common drugs used in a “death with dignity” situation. This demonstrates how potentially harmful this drug can be when abused.

The side effects of secobarbital are:

Amobarbital barbiturates drug.

Commonly known as Amytal, this medication is used pre-surgery to calm anxiety, as a sleep aid, or as an anticonvulsant. Individuals taking Amytal for any reason are advised not to take any other sedative medications, not to drink alcohol, and to only take other drugs after speaking with a doctor. This barbiturate has also been revealed to lower the effectiveness of birth control contraceptives in women.

The side effects of Amobarbital are:

Pentobarbital barbiturates drug

Pentobarbital was initially manufactured in the 1930s as a sleep aid with the brand Nembutal. In low doses, as a medication, it can also help reduce anxiety and control seizures and is commonly used in the surgery room.

Pentobarbital works by binding to the nerve receptors in the brain that are in control of relaxation. Due to this, people either taking or abusing Nembutal can often experience complications with their heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing, which forms a hazardous condition if someone combines them with other drugs.

Nembutal is another barbiturate commonly used as an “end-of-life” medication and is primarily legal in countries where euthanasia is legal. In the United States and Europe, it is one of the most common drugs used in the euthanasia of animals.

The side effects of Nembutal in humans are:

In many countries, getting most of these barbiturates can be extremely difficult, but there are still hundreds of cases of overdoses every year due to barbiturate abuse.

Suppose you take a prescribed amount of a barbiturate for sleep, anxiety, or epilepsy. Before taking or experimenting with other medications or drugs, you must speak with a medical provider. It is also highly suggested that the user does not drink alcohol.

Another common side effect of these barbiturates is that they reduce the effectiveness of female birth control contraceptive methods. Women not ready to get pregnant are highly recommended to use an additional contraception, such as a condom.

Barbiturate Abuse

Barbiturates are common drugs of abuse; as a result, many medical professionals prefer to prescribe benzodiazepines. While benzos are still addictive abuse drugs, they have slightly fewer abuse risks than barbiturates.

Individuals who abuse barbiturates tend to choose short-acting or intermediate pills, such as Amytal and Seconal. Such specific drugs typically produce effects within 15-40 minutes, and results can take up to six hours to diminish. Long-acting barbiturates can bring products that last up to two days, but abuse rates for these barbiturates are lower.

The most common method of abuse is oral ingestion in pill form, but some who abuse the drugs have been known to inject the substance in liquid form to speed up delivery to the system. Barbiturate abuse is usually motivated by a desire to reduce anxiety, mitigate the effects of other drugs, and lessen a person’s inhibitions. 

Misuse of barbiturates usually arises from attempts to self-medicate. Unfortunately, misuse can frequently lead to abuse and possibly addiction, as it’s always a slippery slope when dealing with addictive substances.

Barbiturate use is a major addiction problem for a lot of people. Most individuals who take these medicines for pain syndromes or seizure disorders do not abuse them. Those hooked on the drug usually begin using a medication prescribed for them or other family members.

Most barbiturate overdoses involve a combination of drugs, often alcohol and barbiturates, or opiates such as heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, and barbiturates.

Those who use such combinations tend to be:

• New users who do not know these combinations can lead to coma or death.
• Experienced users who use them on purpose to alter their consciousness.

Barbiturates Withdrawal Symptoms

Since physical dependence and tolerance can develop with continued use, barbiturate withdrawal symptoms from regular use can lead to various problems, including:

Barbiturate withdrawal symptoms in cases where an individual stops regular use of very high doses of these drugs; Barbiturate withdrawal symptoms can be much more severe and might include:

Abrupt withdrawal from the regular use of high barbiturates can be life-threatening. People who have become addicted to these drugs must seek the care of trained rehabilitation professionals to help them withdraw safely and effectively from these drugs.

Barbiturates List Street Name Linked to Barbiturates Withdrawal & Abuse Symptoms

• Barbs.
• Block Busters.
• Christmas Trees.
• Goof Ball.
• Pinks.
• Red Devils.
• Reds & Blues.
• Yellow Jackets.

Top Barbiturates Frequently Asked Questions

Barbiturates Withdrawal Treatment

There is no home antidote for barbiturate addiction treatment. If you believe someone has taken barbiturates inappropriately, take them to the hospital for evaluation by a doctor or consult a barbiturate addiction specialist.

Withdrawing from barbiturates can be severe and potentially fatal and should not be done alone. The help of a medically supervised withdrawal management program will ease the more uncomfortable symptoms and ensure safety from the more severe and possibly life-threatening symptoms. Medically supervised detox can also boost the chance of a successful recovery from barbiturate dependence and addiction.

The detoxification program for barbiturates usually uses a tapering program such that the clients are given subsequent decreasing doses of either a long-acting barbiturate or benzodiazepine. This incremental process allows the body to adapt to lower levels of barbiturates and slowly normalize its functioning without experiencing the severe effects of withdrawal.

Other medicines may also be employed to control specific symptoms that the tapering process does not effectively address. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may prolong the withdrawal process; however, it also decreases the signs and virtually eliminates the possibility of risky symptoms, such as seizures. A medically assisted detox program will be administered under the supervision of an addiction medicine physician or a psychiatrist specializing in addiction.

Find The Right Addiction Treatment At We Level Up New Jersey

Why have you or your loved one become addicted to barbiturates? What help is available, is it safe, and does it work? Contact us at the We Level Up NJ treatment facility to answer all your questions. We provide the utmost care with doctors and medical staff available 24/7 for life-changing and lasting recovery. We provide enhanced therapy to return to a fulfilling and productive life. 

What Are Barbiturates? Barbiturate Overdose Risks, Use, Effects, Withdrawal & Addiction Treatment Video

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