Classification: Sedative Hypnotic
Slang Names: barbs, bluebirds, blues, tooies, downers, phennies, yellow jackets, blue devils, reds and
Method of use: swallowed, injected
Dependence Potential: physically and psychologically addictive
What are Barbiturates?
Barbiturates are a synthetic drug classified as a sedative
hypnotic. Sedative hypnotics depress or slow down the body's functions. Often these drugs are referred to as tranquilizers, sleeping pills, or simply sedatives. Their effects range from reducing anxiety to inducing
sleep, depending on the amount taken.
There are several medical uses for barbiturates, besides controlling anxiety and sleep disturbances. They are also used as a mild form of anesthesia and to control peptic ulcers,
high blood pressure and epileptic seizures.
Barbiturates are also a popular "street" drug. Commonly abused barbiturates include amobarbital (Amytal), pentobarbital (Nembutal), and secobarbital (Seconal).
These drugs account for approximately one-third of all reported drug-related deaths, including suicides and accidental drug poisonings. Accidental deaths may occur when a user takes one dose, becomes confused, and
unintentionally takes an additional or larger dose.
Using barbiturates in conjunction with alcohol is especially dangerous; because alcohol is also a CNS (central nervous system) depressant, the effects aremultiplied
and the risk of death increases. Overdose deaths are more frequent when alcohol and barbiturates are mixed, whether accidentally or deliberately.
The effects of barbiturates are much like the
effects of alcohol. Small amounts produce calmness and relax muscles. Larger doses cause slurred speech, staggering, and poor judgement. High doses can cause unconsciousness and death.
Effects of prescribed doses of
short-acting barbiturates such as secobarbital generally last 4 - 6 hours while effects from phenobarbital, a longer-acting barbiturate will last from 8 -12 hours.
When taken, barbiturates slow down CNS activities
such as heartbeat, breathing, brain activities and reflexes. Because physical and mental responses are slowed down, it is dangerous for users to drive a car or operate machinery while
under the influence of this
drug. Other physical effects of barbiturates use include difficulty in breathing, lethargy, allergic reactions, nausea, and dizziness.
Barbiturates produce a feeling of euphoria, tranquility
and temporary relief of anxiety. Regular and prolonged use of barbiturates induce tolerance-the need for higher doses of a drug to produce the desired effect. Physical and psychological dependence and withdrawal
symptoms occur when use of the drug is abruptly stopped. Withdrawal symptoms range from restlessness, insomnia and anxiety to convulsions and death.
Because the drug can easily pass through the placenta, use of
barbiturates during pregnancy may cause birth defects and behavioral problems in babies. Babies may be physically dependent on the drug at birth and experience withdrawal symptoms shortly after they are born. Their
symptoms may include breathing problems, feeding difficulties, disturbed sleep, sweating, irritability, and fever.
Signs and Symptoms
The following signs and symptoms may indicate the use of barbiturates.
of alcohol intoxication with no odor on the breath, however many users combine alcohol and barbiturates Slurred speech, lethargic Lack of facial expression or animation
Activities such as
frequent visits to several physicians to obtain prescriptions to treat nervousness, insomnia, stress, or tension. Abusers may also visit numerous pharmacists to have the prescription filled
Source: Valcncia Community
College Project Infusion Module, Orlando, FL.Reprinted with permission.