Barbiturates 

Barbiturates were first introduced in the early 1900s, since then more than 2,500 have been synthesized, and at the height of their popularity about 50 were marketed for human use. Today about 12 are in medical use.

 

Barbiturates produce a wide spectrum of central nervous system depression, from mild sedation to coma, and have been used as sedatives, hypnotics, anesthetics, and anticonvulsants. The primary differences between many of these products are how fast they produce an effect and how long those effects last. Barbiturates are classified as ultrashort, short, intermediate, and long-lasting.

 

ULTRA SHORT (produce anethesia within about one minute after intravenous administration) The following are some examples:

*Schedule IV drug-methohexital(Brevital)

*Schedule III drugs-thiamyl(Surital), and thiopental(Pentothal)

*Most Barbituate users use--the Schedule II short-lasting and intermediate lasting barbituates.

*amobarbital (Amyta)

*pentobarbital (Nembutal)

*secobarbital (Seconal)

*Tuinal (an amobarbital/secobarbital combination product)

OTHER SHORT AND INTERMEDIATE-ACTING BARBITURATES

*Schedule III-Butalbital(Fiorina)

*ScheduleIII-Butabarbital(Butisol)

*ScheduleIII-Talbutal(Lotusate)

*ScheduleIII-Aprobarbital(Alurate)

AFTER ORAL ADMINISTRATION, THE ONSET OF ACTION IS FROM 15 TO 40 MIN, AND THE EFFECTS LAST UP TO 6 HOURS. THESE DRUGS ARE PRIMARILY USED FOR INSOMNIA AND PREOPERATIVE SEDATION. VETS USE PENTOBARBITAL FOR ANESTHESIA AND EUTHANASIA.

 

LONG-ACTING BARBITURATES

*Phenobarbital(Lumina)

*Mephobarbital(Mebaral)

EFFECTS OF THESE DRUGS ARE REALIZED IN ABOUT 1 HR. AND LAST FOR ABOUT 12 HRS., AND ARE USED PRIMARILY FOR DAYTIME SEDATION AND THE TREATMENT OF SEIZURE DISORDERS.

 

STREET LINGO

  • Barbs
  • Black Busters
  • Christmas Trees
  • Goof Balls
  • Pinks
  • Red Devils
  • Reds & Blues
  • Yellow Jackets

WHAT ARE THEY?

Barbiturates are PRESCRIPTION sedatives-depressants that affect the Central Nervous System. Depressants act as "downers," slowing down the mind and body. There are over 2000 KNOWN barbiturates.

 

COMMONLY ABUSED BARBITURATES:

Amobarbital(Amytal)

Pentobarbital(Nembutal)

Secobarbital(Seconal)

 

HOW ARE THEY USED?

Swallowed or injected.

They are often abused as a subsitute for alcohol, due the effects being similiar to that of alcohol's effects.

People use them to get a sense of euphoria and relaxation.

IT IS ILLEGAL TO TAKE BARBITURATES WITHOUT A DOCTOR'S PRESCRIPTION AND SUPERVISION.

Often they are used to counteract the unpleasant effects of illicit stimulants or to reduce anxiety.

 

ON THE STREET:

Barbiturates are often used in combination with stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and crystal meth.

 

EFFECTS:

*Short Term*

  • Slurred Speech
  • Shallow Breathing
  • Sluggishness
  • Fatigue
  • Disorientation
  • Lack of Coordination
  • Dilated Pupils
  • Barbiturates mimic alcohol intoxication causing mild euphoria, disinhibtion, relief of anxiety, and sleepiness.
  • Higher doses cause impairment of memory, judgment, and coordination, irritability, paranoid, and suicidal thoughts.

*Long Term*

  • As tolerance developes quickly and larger doses are then needed to produce the same effect, increasing the danger of OVERDOSE.
  • When taken with other drugs(i.e. alcohol) the danger of OVERDOSE is higher.
  • Death, due to barbiturate abuse, is due to depression of the respiratory center in the brain.
  • Chronic tiredness
  • General Uncoordination
  • Vision Problems
  • Dizziness
  • Slowed Reflexes
  • Slowed Response
  • Sexual Dysfunction
  • Menstural Irregularities
  • Breathing Disorders

WITHDRAWL SYMPTOMS:

  • Tremors
  • Elevated Blood Pressure
  • Elevated Pulse
  • Sweating
  • possibly Seizures

What do they look like?

Multi-colored tablets and capsules. 

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