Are Barbiturates Controlled Substances?

Barbiturates are a type of central nervous system depressant and sedative-hypnotic medication used for insomnia, anxiety, and as anticonvulsants to treat seizure disorders (epilepsy). They are also used as an anesthetic.

Barbiturates work by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. This creates a sedating effect and is why the drug is known as a downer.

Because barbiturates have a potential for abuse and can create life-threatening withdrawal symptoms after developing a physical dependence, they’re classified as a controlled substance.

Barbiturates As Controlled Substances

Barbiturates are classified as schedule II, III, and IV controlled substances. The schedule type depends on the type of barbiturate it is.

Schedule II includes drugs that have no medical use and a high potential for abuse. Schedule III consists of drugs that have medical use but also a high potential for abuse. Schedule IV controlled substances have a relatively low potential for abuse but can still be addictive and dangerous.

Additionally, the correct dose can be difficult to predict which makes overdoses much more likely than other drugs. This is one of the reasons barbiturates aren’t prescribed as much anymore and have been replaced by benzodiazepines.

Types Of Barbiturates

There are lots of different barbiturates (or barbs), and the main difference is how long the effects last. Some are long-acting, some are intermediate-acting, and some are short-acting or even ultra short-acting.

Some of the most common types of barbiturates include:

• amobarbital (Amytal)
• methohexital (Brevital)
• secobarbital (Seconal)
• butabarbital (Butisol)
• pentobarbital (Nembutal)
• phenobarbital (Luminal)
• ​sodium thiopental
• belladonna and phenobarbital (Donnatal)
• butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine (Fioricet)
• butalbital/aspirin/caffeine

Side Effects Of Barbiturates

Barbiturates have a long list of side effects. Some are mild while others can be severe or life-threatening.

Side effects of barbiturates include:

• relaxation
• euphoria
• reduced inhibition
• loss of coordination
• impaired judgment
• confusion
• drowsiness
• headache
• low blood pressure
• sedation
• anxiety
• depression
• slow breathing
• chest pain
• fainting
• hallucinations

Drug Interactions With Barbiturates

Barbiturates can also interact with a long list of drugs. The use of barbiturates along with any of the following drugs can lead to serious adverse effects.

Negative interactions may occur with the following substances:

• antihistamines
• pain medications and opioids like morphine and hydrocodone
• benzodiazepines like Valium and Xanax
• other medications that cause sedation or drowsiness
• anticoagulant drugs
• tranquilizers
• corticosteroids
• progesterone, estradiol, and estrone
• sedatives and other CNS depressant medications
• alcohol
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Withdrawal Symptoms Of Barbiturates

You can become dependent on barbiturates after taking them in high doses or over a long period of time. Once you’ve built up a dependence, quitting them can cause just as many side effects as abusing them.

Barbiturate withdrawal symptoms may include:

• restlessness
• agitation
• anxiety
• nausea/vomiting
• insomnia
• weakness
• fast heart rate
• tremors
• hallucinations
• seizures
• stomach cramps
• depression
• increased body temperature
• delirium

To help ease withdrawal symptoms, talking to your healthcare provider or going into a detox program is likely recommended. In a detox program, you will be supervised by medical professionals to ensure your symptoms are treated and don’t become life-threatening.

Treatment For Barbiturate Abuse

If you or a loved one is struggling with barbiturate abuse or another form of drug abuse, Northeast Addiction Treatment Center offers a number of treatment options to start you on your recovery journey.

We offer outpatient services, medication-assisted treatment, and multiple forms of individual and group therapy.

To learn more about our treatment services, please call our helpline today.