What Are Barbiturates? Types, Uses, Side Effects, and Abuse
Medical Writer:
Reviewer:
Johnny Kim
Executive Psychotherapist
Medical Writer:
Reviewer:
Johnny Kim
Executive Psychotherapist
Concerns about barbiturates in the United States have been raised for over 150 years, starting shortly after their development. Sedatives were first used to treat seizure disorders, insomnia, tension headaches, and anxiety. They are now in demand on the illegal drug market because of their calming effects.
Today, people rarely get prescribed barbiturates, also known as sedatives, hypnotics, or tranquilizers, except in specific situations. This involves treating illnesses that do not respond to other treatments during surgery. It also includes assisted dying by a doctor. Additionally, it involves state-approved executions.
Despite their restricted use in medicine, barbiturates remain widely used on the streets in the United States and as a mixing agent with other substances.
What Are Barbiturates?
Barbiturates, viewed as sedative depressants that impact the central nervous system, are categorized as a Schedule II substance in the United States.
Medically, barbiturates are used to treat seizure disorders unresponsive to other medications, alleviate withdrawal symptoms in infants, manage preoperative anxiety, and induce unconsciousness for surgical interventions. This drug can be administered either intravenously or as an oral tablet.
When barbiturates attach to neurotransmitters in the brain, they reduce and decelerate nerve impulses throughout the body, thereby inducing a sedative effect.
Barbiturates carry a high risk of causing psychological and physical dependence, along with severe withdrawal symptoms. Due to these risks, they are increasingly being substituted with safer alternatives.
Barbiturate Street Names
Numerous street names for barbiturates that are still in use today date back to the 1920s. Many of these nicknames originate from the original colors or packaging of the pills and capsules. Other slang terms are also derived from the side effects that contribute to their popularity among users.
Common slang terms for barbiturates are:
- Tootsies
- Phennies
- Sleepers
- Christmas trees
- Rainbows
- Blockbusters
- Barbs
- Downers
Frequently encountered barbiturates in illegal trade are often identified by distinct street names. Here is a compilation of some of the most commonly known barbiturates, along with their corresponding slang terms:
- Phenobarbital (Luminal) – also known as goofballs, purple hearts
- Secobarbital (Seconal) – referred to as pinks, reds, red devils, pink ladies, lilys
- Amobarbital (Amytal) – known as blue velvet, blue heaven, blue devils
- Pentobarbital (Nembutal) – also called yellow jackets, nembies, Mexican yellows
Different pills have varying onsets and durations of effects. They all cause drowsiness, and taking too much can be dangerous.
Barbiturate Types
Over 50 distinct kinds of barbiturates exist, sold under a variety of generic and brand names.
Barbiturates are classified into four categories based on how rapidly they impact the body. People generally consider them more potent when they onset quickly.
Below are the four types of barbiturates, listed from strongest to weakest, along with their uses and examples:
Ultra Short-Acting Barbiturates
Ultra short-acting barbiturates are administered intravenously for anesthesia; their effects begin approximately a minute after injection and last between one to three hours.
Short-Acting Barbiturates
Short-acting barbiturates, which are either injected or taken orally, are used to treat sleep disorders or administered before surgeries. They start working several minutes after administration, and their effects last between three and five hours.
Intermediate-Acting Barbiturates
Intermediate-acting barbiturates are taken orally before surgery or to manage sleep disorders and anxiety. Their effects begin about an hour after ingestion and last six to eight hours.
Long-Acting Barbiturates
Long-acting barbiturates are taken orally to treat alcohol withdrawal, seizure disorders, anxiety, and insomnia; the impacts start approximately one-hour post-administration and may persist for up to 12 hours.
Barbiturate Uses
A primary reason why healthcare professionals have shifted away from using barbiturates is their high potential for addiction and overdose. These drugs carry a heightened risk of leading to substance use disorders, and stopping their use abruptly can result in severe withdrawal symptoms.
It is important to adhere to medical guidance to prevent dangerous side effects when using prescription drugs. Even a slight increment in dosage can trigger negative reactions or cause an unintentional overdose.
If you are considering stopping the use of barbiturates, particularly at high doses, consult a doctor. They may suggest a medical detox and inpatient treatment.
Barbiturates Side Effects
Barbiturates slow down the brain by attaching to neurotransmitters, causing a calming effect on the central nervous system.
Typical adverse effects of barbiturates include:
- Fatigue
- Slowed physical responses
- Bewilderment
- Mumbled speech
- Head pains
- Lowered restraint
- Nausea
- Vision impairment
- Hypotension
- Accelerated pulse rate
- Decreased respiration
- Compromised decision-making
Prolonged use of barbiturates can lead to symptoms including:
- Forgetfulness
- Persistent tiredness
- Impaired balance and coordination
- Diminished motor abilities
- Emotional instability
- Slowed heartbeat
- Feelings of sadness
- Feelings of worry
- Somnambulism
- Severe headaches
- Visual and auditory illusions
- Sexual impairment
- Birth defects
- Symptoms of barbiturate withdrawal
Given the strong effects of barbiturates, taking more than the advised dosage or mixing them with other substances like prescription drugs or alcohol can easily lead to an overdose.
Barbiturate Abuse and Overdose
Tolerance and barbiturate dependence can develop in less than a month. Continual high doses can lead to lasting health consequences and severe withdrawal symptoms.
The likelihood of overdosing on barbiturates is exceptionally high due to their swift action and potent effects.
In 1945, hospitals in New York reported a barbiturate overdose death every 36 hours. This showed that barbiturate abuse was a serious problem. While not a new or rare occurrence, treating barbiturate overdoses continues to be a significant challenge.
Indications of an overdose on barbiturates include:
- Reduced alertness
- Struggling with cognitive and verbal expression
- Sluggish, mumbled speech
- Superficial respiration
- Struggling for breath
- Feeble heartbeat
- Moist or sweaty skin
- Severe bewilderment or disarray
- Lack of response to external triggers
- Comatose state
Barbiturate Abuse Treatment
If you or someone you care about is battling a barbiturate addiction, it can be life-threatening. At White Oak Recovery Center, your long-term recovery and well-being are our foremost concerns.
We will assist you with painful withdrawal symptoms using medical detox and 24/7 medical care. Our residential treatment facility is peaceful and designed to ensure your health and comfort.
Our caring team uses effective treatments, therapies, and empowering support groups. The treatments are customized for each person and help build a strong base for recovery once the program is finished.
White Oak Recovery Center helps you rediscover your life by guiding you through the first steps of your recovery journey.
Our compassionate treatment specialists are ready to assist you. Contact us now.
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