Barbiturates are depressant drugs used to treat a number of conditions, including anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. While barbiturates are no longer the most commonly prescribed depressant medications, the drugs are still abused for the sedative and hypnotic effects they produce. Barbiturates are highly addictive drugs.
Some commonly prescribed Barbiturates:
- Amytal (Amobarbital)
- Alurate (Aprobarbital)
- Butisol (Butabarbital)
- Nembutal (Pentobarbital)
- Luminal (Phenobarbital)
- Seconal (Secobarbital)
- Pentothal (Thiopental)
Barbiturates are a class of drugs that developed from barbituric acid. This acid has no medicinal value of its own, but drugs derived from it can increase the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a neurotransmitter that can affect the nerve cell activity in the brain. Barbiturates are depressant drugs that slow down the central nervous system, which is why they are effective in treating issues like anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.
Barbiturate addiction is extremely dangerous. Not only due to the effects of the drugs, but also because the difference between a lethal and safe dose is very small. People can accidentally overdose on barbiturates.
Barbiturates abuse can lead to memory problems, impaired judgement and coordination, irritability, paranoia, and suicidal thoughts. It has been found that more than 40% of deaths associated with abuse of barbiturates come as a result of suicide. This shows the drastic mental effect this class of drugs can have an its users.
Common street names for Barbiturates:
- Blue Bullets
- Blue Angels
- Tranqs
- Downers
- Goofers
- Stoppers