What is a Barbiturate?

Barbiturates are a type of sedative or depressant medication, which are classified as controlled substances that are considered to have a high potential for abuse and addiction. Barbiturates are typically only prescribed in the short-term as they have the potential to cause an array of health problems, including both physical and psychological dependence.

Uses of Barbiturates

Barbiturates were first introduced in the early 1900s, and were used in the medical field to treat a variety of conditions. They were prescribed for a range of uses, including treating insomnia, anxiety, seizures, pain, and even as a general anesthetic for certain medical procedures. They were widely used until the 1960s, at which point their widespread use started to diminish due to the emergence of more modern and effective drugs.

There are still some limited uses of barbiturates today; such as the treatment of status epilepticus or as a general anesthetic in some medical and surgical procedures. However, they are still considered to be highly dangerous and their abuse and misuse can have serious consequences.

Risks and Side Effects of Barbiturate Abuse

Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants that act on GABA receptors, which are responsible for modulating the effects of excitatory neurotransmitters. When taken in large doses, barbiturates can cause severe drowsiness and a feeling of extreme relaxation. However, there is a very thin line between the therapeutic and dangerous doses. When abused, barbiturates can have a number of serious side effects, including:

• Dizziness

• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Impaired judgment
• Memory loss
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Seizures
• Respiratory depression
• Cardiac arrest
• Coma
• Death

In addition to the above, barbiturates can be highly addictive and can lead to physical and psychological dependence if used for an extended period of time. If a person is attempting to stop taking barbiturates, it is important to seek professional medical help as the withdrawal symptoms can be very severe.

Conclusion

Barbiturates are a type of sedative or depressant that are typically prescribed in the short-term as they have the potential to cause an array of health problems, including both physical and psychological dependence. While there is still limited use of barbiturates today, their abuse and misuse can have very serious consequences and can lead to physical and psychological dependence if abused. If a person is attempting to stop taking barbiturates, it is important to seek professional medical help as the withdrawal symptoms can be very severe.