Barbiturates are a class of drugs that, when misused, can cause serious addiction, intense symptoms, and sometimes death.
Barbiturates are central nervous system (CNS) depressants that inhibit the neurotransmitter Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These medications have been used to reduce symptoms of anxiety, manage seizure disorders, and promote sleep in some cases.
If your doctor is prescribing barbiturates, they are safe to take when you follow the prescription and work with your doctor when your symptoms change. Unfortunately, some people misuse barbiturates for nonmedical or recreational reasons and are at a high risk of addiction and an increased risk of overdose.
Examples of barbiturates
Barbiturates are useful when it comes to treating insomnia and preventing seizures, but they also come with a high risk of addiction.
Common barbiturates include:
- Phenobarbital (Luminal): Often used for seizure control and sedation
- Pentobarbital (Nembutal): Used to treat short-term insomnia and in emergency seizure management
- Secobarbital (Seconal): Historically used for short-term treatment of insomnia
- Butalbital (Fiorinal): Used to treat tension headaches
- Methohexital (Brevital): Used in anesthesia for rapid intravenous induction
- Amobarbital (Amytal): Used for sedation and to treat insomnia
- Thiopental (Pentothal): This drug is a rapid-onset, short-acting barbiturate used to induce general anesthesia
These are just a few examples of barbiturates used in medical settings. If barbiturates are misused, they can cause slowed breathing, heart complications, coma, and death. Barbiturates are prescribed less often today because safer alternatives are available in many cases.
What drugs are classed as barbiturates?
When using barbiturate drugs, they can cause muscle relaxation, a reduction in blood pressure, and a slowing of the heart and breathing rate. These drugs also affect the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which is essential for communication between neurons.
Barbiturates vary in how quickly they act and how long their effects last. Some are fast-acting and only last a short while, and some forms can last for many hours.
Here is a general breakdown of barbiturates by duration of action and common uses:
| Duration of Action | Use | Drug Name |
| Ultra-short-acting (less than 15 to 20 minutes) | Used for the induction of anesthesia | Thiopental (Pentothal), methohexital (Brevital) |
| Short-acting (3 to 4 hours) | Used to treat insomnia | Pentobarbital (Nembutal), secobarbital (Seconal) |
| Intermediate-acting (3 to 6 hours) | Used for sedation | Amobarbital (Amytal Sodium), butalbital (Fioricet) |
| Long-acting (6 to 12+ hours) | Used for sedation and daytime seizures | Phenobarbital (Luminal, Sezaboy, Solfoton) |
Barbiturate drugs are a powerful type of sedative. Though they are less prescribed today, they are still easily accessible and can cause a euphoric high when taken by those who do not need them. Some barbiturates with misuse potential include pentobarbital, secobarbital, and amobarbital.
How barbiturates work
Barbiturates act on the central nervous system and affect how the brain communicates with the rest of the body. Barbiturates increase the effects of GABA, a brain chemical that slows activity in the central nervous system. This can lead to sedation, muscle relaxation, and reduced anxiety, but it also increases the risk of slowed breathing.
Respiratory depression occurs when your breathing becomes too slow or shallow. When breathing becomes too slow or too shallow, carbon dioxide can build up in the bloodstream. Symptoms can include extreme fatigue, irregular breathing, and cyanosis (a bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, or extremities).
Barbiturate side effects
You can still get a prescription for barbiturates today, but to a lesser extent, now that there are safer alternatives available. If your doctor is prescribing you barbiturates, you should be aware of the common side effects.
Some of the common barbiturates’ side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Impaired coordination
- Slurred speech
- Slowed breathing
If someone misuses barbiturates or develops a substance use disorder, they are at risk of more severe side effects, such as shallow or labored breathing, severe confusion, fainting, slowed heart rate, weak pulse, and cold and clammy skin.
Long-term misuse can lead to addiction, increased tolerance, physical dependence, depression, and a higher risk of self-harm.
They are also at risk of developing:
- Central nervous system damage: Chronic damage, including severe memory loss, confusion, and cognitive impairment
- Organ damage: Long-term barbiturate misuse can lead to liver damage, kidney dysfunction, and cardiovascular issues
- Respiratory illness: Chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and persistent breathing difficulties
- Physical/neurological effects: Persistent tremors, twitching, and a lack of coordination
- Mental health effects: Depression, anxiety, and severe emotional distress
If you are misusing barbiturates, seeking professional help as soon as possible can reduce the risk of overdose and other serious complications.
Barbiturate overdose risks
Barbiturate overdose rates have declined over the years as safer drugs become available, but there is still a risk of misuse and overdose. If you think someone is misusing barbiturates, you should be familiar with the signs of barbiturate overdose. These include:
- Respiratory depression
- Extreme drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Low blood pressure
- Ataxia
- Coma
When barbiturates are combined with alcohol, opioids, or other central nervous system depressants, it can greatly increase the risk of respiratory depression, overdose, and death.
If you suspect a friend or loved one is overdosing on barbiturates, call 911 immediately. Emergency medical care should always come first.
Barbiturate addiction and detox at Tides Edge Detox
Using barbiturates can be damaging in the long term, and finding help today is imperative. For those who are ready for change, Tides Edge Detox can help. Our benzo detox center offers medically supervised detox for clients struggling with barbiturate dependence, which can help you take the next step toward recovery.
Our detox program for barbiturate dependence in Jacksonville, FL, uses medication management and medical supervision to help clients withdraw as safely and comfortably as possible. Clients can also receive support through evidence-based and holistic approaches that help them build healthier coping skills for ongoing recovery.
To learn more about how we can help with barbiturate addiction, call 866.723.3127 today to schedule a consultation and tour of our facility.
Frequently asked questions
No. Alcohol is not a barbiturate, but it is also a central nervous system depressant. Mixing alcohol or other CNS depressants with barbiturates is dangerous and often can lead to a deadly overdose.
Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are both CNS depressants and are effective for treating anxiety and insomnia. They both affect GABA activity in the brain, though in different ways. They can both cause sedation, but benzodiazepines do it more safely.
In many cases, benzodiazepines are prescribed more often because they generally have a lower overdose risk than barbiturates.
Doctors may still prescribe barbiturates for certain medical conditions, such as for seizure disorders and severe insomnia. Some barbiturates are still used in seizure treatment, headache medications, and anesthesia in specific situations.
