Author: Alex Thompson

Barbiturates: Definition, Types, Uses, Side Effects & Abuse

To this end, tolerance occurs when larger doses than the original dose are required to produce the same effects. This can increase the risk of overdose, signs of which include shallow breathing, rapid and weak pulse, dilated pupils, clammy skin, coma, and even death as a result of the severe depression of both the CNS and respiratory system. The prolonged use of barbiturates—especially secobarbital and pentobarbital—may cause the development of a tolerance to them and require amounts much larger than the original therapeutic dose. Denial of a barbiturate to the habitual user may precipitate a withdrawal syndrome that is indicative of physiological dependence on the drug. An overdose of barbiturates can result in coma and even death due to severe depression of the central nervous and respiratory systems. Taking these medications as prescribed can reduce the risk of developing dependence, but some people may still have this problem.

In the 1970s many people died after taking barbiturates, and this, together with the fact that they are extremely addictive, are the reasons they are hardly ever prescribed today. The pharmacological actions of barbiturates include depressing nerve activity in the cardiac, smooth, and skeletal muscles. These drugs also affect the CNS in several ways and can produce effects ranging from mild sedation to a coma depending on the dosage.

German researcher Adolph von Baeyer was the first to synthesize barbituric acid. Barbital (Veronal) was the first barbiturate and was used for medical purposes in 1903. Barbiturates were frequently used to treat agitation, anxiety, and insomnia, but their use for treating such symptoms fell out of favor due to the risk of overdose and abuse.

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The theory was that someone asked a question while under the influence of amobarbital would be less likely to be able to think of a false answer, which requires more focus than simply telling the truth. Benzodiazepines have largely replaced barbiturates in most medical uses. Medical care in a hospital is typically needed to treat barbiturate withdrawal. The effects and dangers of barbiturate use increase greatly if they are taken with alcohol. The first barbiturates were made in the 1860s by the Bayer laboratories in Germany.

Injectable forms of barbiturates are classified as class A drugs, and oral and rectal forms as class B drugs. This means that any form of possession or supply apart from legitimately with a prescription is a punishable offense. A medicine called naloxone (Narcan) may be given if an opioid was part of the mix. This medicine often rapidly restores consciousness and breathing in people with an opioid overdose, but its action is short-lived, and may need to be given repeatedly.

Some barbiturates are still made and sometimes prescribed for certain medical conditions. However, most barbiturate use has been replaced by the development of newer, safer, alternative drugs. Among that group of drugs are the barbiturates amobarbital, butalbital, cyclobarbital, and pentobarbital.

The Misuse of Drugs Act classifies barbiturates as class B drugs, which means that these drugs can be bought in accordance with a doctor’s prescription; however, any other form of possession or supply of barbiturates is considered an offense. The maximum penalty that a person can receive for any unauthorized possession of barbiturates is 5 years in prison and a fine for possession. For supply, the maximum penalty is 14 years in prison and a fine. Low doses of barbiturates can lower anxiety levels and relieve tension. Barbiturates became popular during the 1960s and 1970s in treating seizures, sleep problems, and anxiety.

A key reason why healthcare providers don’t prescribe barbiturates as often now is the risk of misusing them. Because of that risk, you should keep these medications under lock and key in a secure place in your home. Keeping them out of the hands of children and teenagers is essential.

What are Barbiturates used for?

Therefore, the use of barbiturates as sedatives or hypnotics to relieve insomnia or daytime restlessness caused by everyday stresses is no longer advised. As a result of these potentially deadly side effects, the use of barbiturates for these purposes has been replaced with safer medicines. Although widely used in the middle of the 20th century, present-day barbiturate use is uncommon.

1. While it doesn’t compel people to tell the truth, amobarbital can slow the central nervous system, making concentration more difficult.
2. Users who consume alcohol or other sedatives after the drug’s effects have worn off, but before it has cleared the system, may experience a greatly exaggerated effect from the other sedatives which can be incapacitating or even fatal.
3. They enhance the action of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits the activity of nerve cells in the brain.
4. Between the 1940s and ’70s, however, the abuse of barbiturate drugs became highly prevalent in Western societies.
5. After the baby is born, it may experience withdrawal symptoms and have trouble breathing.
6. They can produce effects similar to those of alcohol, ranging from mild relaxation to an inability to feel pain and loss of consciousness.

Barbiturates are sedative-hypnotic medications, meaning they cause you to feel relaxed or sleepy. For over a century, they’ve treated many conditions, including seizures, migraines, insomnia and more. They’re less common today because of the risk of misuse and certain side effects. Tolerance to the mood-altering effects of barbiturates develops rapidly with repeated use.

They enhance the action of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits the activity of nerve cells in the brain. This insightful interview explores the disparities in neurological care and the innovative strategies aimed at transforming research and treatment for better, inclusive health outcomes. Sally first developed an interest in medical communications when she took on the role of Journal Development Editor for BioMed Central (BMC), after having graduated with a degree in biomedical science from Greenwich University.

Fast facts on barbiturates

As a medication, they reduce muscle spasms, relieve anxiety, prevent seizures, and induce sleep. In the Netherlands, the Opium Law classifies all barbiturates as List II drugs, with the exception of secobarbital, which is on List I. Barbiturates have some risks, but these risks should be minimal if you take your medication exactly as prescribed. You also shouldn’t have a problem with barbiturate dependence if you take your medication as your healthcare provider instructs. You should also see your healthcare provider if you notice that barbiturate medications aren’t working as they should or if the side effects are disrupting your usual routine and activities. Most barbiturates aren’t for long-term use, so you might need to see your healthcare provider for follow-up.

What formulations of barbiturates are available?

All barbiturates affect gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter (chemical) that nerves use to communicate with one another. In years past, barbiturates were a common part of general anesthesia in surgeries. That’s because these medications help ease a person into a deep sleep.

But, tolerance to the lethal effects develops more slowly, and the risk of severe poisoning increases with continued use. Small does of barbiturates can make people feel relaxed, uninhibited, mildly euphoric, free of anxiety, and sleepy. Larger doses can cause hostility, anxiety, body ataxia, slurred speech, paranoia, and suicidal thoughts. The risk of falling over or having an accident is also increased as the dose of barbiturates increases. For the most part, healthcare providers often prescribe benzodiazepines before trying a barbiturate. Combining benzodiazepines and barbiturates can be very dangerous, so you should never combine them unless a doctor prescribes them this way.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEdKendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the “Everything Psychology Book.” Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the “Everything Psychology Book.” People who frequently use barbiturates may reach a constant state that is similar to a drunken daze. Thiopental (Pendothal) is no longer on the market because of ethical issues relating to lethal injection for capital punishment. This decline is mainly due to the development of newer, safer drug alternatives.