Barbiturates
Barbiturates slow down the central nervous system and were first introduced for medicinal use in the 1900’s. There are 12 different forms of barbiturates still being prescribed by doctors today. Barbiturates are categorized as Schedule II, III, and IV depressants under the Controlled Substances Act. Barbiturates are depressants that produce a wide spectrum of central nervous system depression from mild sedation to coma. They have also been used as sedatives, hypnotics, anesthetics and anticonvulsants. Common side effects are mild euphoria, lack of inhibition, relief of anxiety and sleepiness. High doses and abuse can cause lapse of memory, judgment and coordination, irritability, paranoia and suicidal ideation. Barbiturates are classified by their release time and fall into one of four categories; Ultra-short, Short, Intermediate, or Long-acting. Individuals who abuse barbiturates prefer the short-acting and intermediate drugs such as the prescribed Amytal® or Seconal®.
Barbiturates come in a variety of multicolored pills and tablets. They are generally abused by taking too many pills or injecting a liquid intravenously. Individuals abuse barbiturates to reduce anxiety, decrease inhibitions and treat the unwanted effects of illicit drugs. Tolerance develops quickly in users and increasingly larger doses are required to produce the same effect, increasing the likelihood of an overdose. This makes barbiturates extremely dangerous because overdoses can easily occur and can quickly lead to death. Common effects of overdose include shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma and possible death.
Street names of barbiturates include: Barbs, Block Busters, Christmas Trees, Goof Balls, Pinks, Red Devils, Reds & Blues and Yellow Jackets. Drugs that cause similar effects include: alcohol, benzodiazepines like Valium® and Xanax®, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, Rohypnol® and GHB.
If you or someone you love has a problem with barbiturates, call our professionals at Sobriety Resources (855)289-2640 today to experience the freedom of sobriety.
