List Of Common Barbiturates

Barbiturates (“barbs”), including phenobarbital, butabarbital, and seconal, are an older class of drugs and sedative-hypnotics. Barbiturates are known to carry a high risk of abuse and fatal overdose, which is why benzodiazepines and other similar types of drugs were introduced.

Although the use of barbiturates has declined, barbiturates are still produced and prescribed today. They are most commonly used as a surgical anesthetic and the treatment of seizure disorders, sleep disorders, headaches, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

The most common barbiturates include Luminal, Nembutal, Seconal, Fioricet, Butisol, and Amytal.

Luminal (phenobarbital)

Phenobarbital, also called “goof balls,” is one of the most widely known barbiturates and is used today primarily as an anticonvulsant.

Phenobarbital is also used in some medical detox programs to prevent seizures from alcohol withdrawal. As a long-acting barbiturate, its effects last 6 or more hours.

Nembutal (pentobarbital)

When used illegally, the brand name Nembutal may be referred to by its street names, yellow jackets or yellows. It has effective sedative effects and is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Seconal (secobarbital)

Secobarbital, also referred to as pink ladies or red devils, can be used to reduce anxiety before surgery or for the treatment of insomnia. Similar to Nembutal, Seconal is a short-acting depressant and its effects wear off quickly.

Fioricet (butalbital)

Fioricet is a combination drug that contains acetaminophen (Tylenol), caffeine, and butalbital. Butalbital is a barbiturate that works quickly to treat the pain associated with migraines and headaches.

Butisol (butabarbital)

Although no longer available in the United States, butabarbital was once used as anti-anxiety medication before surgery or for the treatment of insomnia.

The effects of butabarbital and other short-acting barbiturates last between 3 and 4 hours. Although it works quickly and effectively, it can interfere with sleep if taken long-term.

Amytal (amobarbital)

Amobarbital has been used for the treatment of sleep disorders. Amytal is not approved as safe and effective by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is no longer produced in the United States.

Amobarbital and thiopental (Sodium Pentothal), another discontinued barbiturate, were once used off-label as a truth serum, because it is known to decrease inhibitions.

Effects Of Barbiturates

Barbiturates, also known as “sleepers” or “downers” are central nervous system depressant drugs that slow brain activity. Barbiturates enhance activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is responsible for how the body responds to stress.

Increasing GABA reduces excitability and can have sedative effects. When used recreationally, they may cause euphoria and reduce inhibitions. Benzodiazepines target similar areas of the brain but have less intense effects on the central nervous system.

Depending on the dose and type of barbiturate, they can also cause a wide range of unwanted side-effects.

Common side-effects of barbiturates include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• confusion
• drowsiness
• restlessness

As tolerance increases, there is a greater risk of dangerous side effects and overdose because even a small amount can be deadly. Barbiturates should not be used recreationally or without the supervision of a doctor.

Barbiturate Overdose

Barbiturates can be dangerous if misused, especially when combined with other depressants, like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids. Combining barbiturates with similar drugs intensifies depressant effects and can cause respiratory depression, the primary cause of overdose.

Signs of a barbiturate overdose include:

• shallow or stopped breathing
• loss of consciousness
• confusion
• bluish skin tone
• unresponsiveness
• low blood pressure
• slow heart rate

A barbiturate overdose can be fatal and requires immediate medical attention.

Barbiturate Addiction Treatment

Barbiturates are controlled substances in the United States because of the high risk of substance abuse and addiction. After long-term barbiturate abuse, your body may develop a physical dependence on the drug and you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop.

Barbiturate withdrawal can be life-threatening and cause dangerous symptoms, including seizures. If you want to stop using barbiturates, it is best to speak with your healthcare provider or seek professional treatment in an inpatient detox center.

A detox can help prepare you for long-term treatment, which may include a drug rehab program. At Northeast Addictions Treatment Center, we offer a wide range of evidence-based treatment options in our outpatient rehab programs.

If you or a loved one would like to learn more about addiction treatment options, please contact a specialist today.