Common Barbiturates Side Effects: What You Need to Know

Barbiturate is a sedative-hypnotic drug. This article will cover barbiturates side effects, its impact on wellness, and treatment for addiction.

What are Barbiturates?

Barbiturates are a class of sedative-hypnotic drugs that act as central nervous system depressants. They were once widely prescribed for a variety of medical conditions. However, their use has declined in recent years due to their high risk of abuse, addiction, and overdose.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of barbiturates, including their types, medical and recreational uses, impact on wellness, addictive potential, and impact on the brain.

How Do They Work?

Barbiturates work by enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This inhibits the activity of the central nervous system, resulting in sedation and relaxation. They can produce a range of effects depending on the dose, including mild sedation, deep sleep, anesthesia, and even coma.¹

These substances have a high potential for abuse and dependence. Due to their risks and the availability of safer alternatives, they are now rarely prescribed for medical use. Barbiturates are available to use both orally and in injectable forms.

Are They Addictive?

Barbiturates are highly effective at reducing anxiety and inducing sleep. Because of their effects, they can be easily abused. As individuals develop tolerance to the drug, they require higher and higher doses to achieve the desired effects. This can lead to dependence and addiction.

Barbiturate addiction can have serious consequences, including respiratory depression, coma, and death in cases of overdose. Withdrawal from barbiturates can also be dangerous, and it is important to seek professional medical help if attempting to quit the drug.

Types of Barbiturates

Barbiturates are classified into various types based on their duration of action. These types include ultra-short acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting. The duration of action has a significant impact on their addiction potential. Some can last for up to 48 hours, while others are incredibly short-acting, with effects only lasting for a few minutes.²

Regardless of the duration of action, these drugs are all highly addictive. Some commonly used barbiturates are:

Secobarbital
Pentobarbital
Amobarbital
Tuinal
Phenobarbital

Street Names

Each type of barbiturate affects the brain differently. Street names for them are often derived from the desired effects of the drug or the pill’s color and markings, which can vary widely. It is important to be aware of the street names for these substances so as to avoid involuntary consumption or overdose.

Some common street names for these substances include:

Barbs
Downers
Goofballs
Rainbows
Blue heavens
Blue devils
Reds
Yellow jackets
Christmas trees
F-40s

Medical Uses of Barbiturates

While barbiturates are not as commonly prescribed as they used to be, they still have a wide range of uses. Some common uses for these substances include:³

As anesthetics during surgical procedures
To treat and prevent seizures
To treat severe insomnia and other sleep disorders
To induce coma in patients with severe brain injuries or other conditions
As sedatives to reduce anxiety and agitation in patients with mental health disorders
To reduce intracranial pressure in patients with traumatic brain injuries or cerebral edema
To manage symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
To manage symptoms of migraines and other headaches
As muscle relaxants to treat muscle spasms and tension

It is important to note that barbiturates have a high potential for abuse and dependence, and their use must be closely monitored by a healthcare professional.

Recreational Uses

Recreational drug use refers to the use of medicine for non-medical or non-therapeutic purposes. The purpose is to achieve pleasurable effects or alter one’s mood, consciousness, or perception.

These substances are recreationally used for:

Calming and euphoric effects
Stress, insomnia, or mental health issues
Enhance the effects of other drugs
Reduce anxiety, induce sleep and enhance relaxation
Induce intoxication effects similar to alcohol

Impact of Barbiturate Use on Wellness

While barbiturate use can have beneficial effects in certain medical situations, their use can also lead to dependence, addiction, and serious health consequences.⁴

Short-Term Effects

Barbiturates can produce a range of short-term effects on physical and mental health, including:

Drowsiness and sedation
Reduced anxiety and tension
Slowed breathing and heart rate
Reduced muscle control and coordination
Impaired judgment and cognitive function
Mood swings and emotional instability
Confusion and disorientation
Nausea and vomiting

Long-Term Effects

Long-term use of barbiturates can lead to a range of physical and mental health problems, including:

Chronic fatigue and weakness
Memory problems and cognitive impairment
Depression and anxiety
Insomnia and other sleep disturbances
Liver and kidney damage
Respiratory problems
Skin rashes and other dermatological issues
Increased risk of falls and accidents

Impact of Barbiturate Use on Personal and Professional Life

Barbiturate abuse can have a range of negative impacts on personal and professional life, including:

Strained relationships with family and friends
Loss of employment or difficulty maintaining employment due to impaired cognitive and physical function
Financial problems due to the cost of drugs and medical treatment
Legal problems related to drug possession, distribution, or other criminal activity
Loss of social status and self-esteem
Risk of overdose and death

Risks and Dangers of Barbiturate Overdose

Barbiturate overdose can be deadly and is a serious risk for people who abuse these drugs. Symptoms of barbiturate overdose may include:⁵

Extreme drowsiness and sedation
Shallow or slow breathing
Weakness and confusion
Reduced heart rate and blood pressure
Decreased functioning
Blue lips and nails
Coma and death

If you suspect someone has overdosed, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.

Barbiturate Addiction Treatment at Essence Healthcare

Essence Healthcare has a team of trained professionals who can provide support and guidance to individuals struggling with barbiturate addiction. Our approach is to provide personalized care to each client, tailoring our treatment plans to their unique needs and circumstances.

What We Offer

We offer a range of services that can help individuals overcome their addiction to barbiturates. These include:

Detoxification: Tracked medical detoxification to help individuals safely and comfortably withdraw from barbiturates
Counseling: Individual and group counseling to help clients address the underlying causes of their addiction and develop strategies for relapse prevention
Inpatient treatment: 24-hour residential care, including detoxification, counseling, and relapse prevention. Ideal for those who require a high level of support
Outpatient treatment: Flexible treatment options that allow clients to receive care while maintaining their daily routines
Behavioral therapies: Evidence-based behavioral therapies that can help clients learn new coping skills and behaviors to replace drug use
Support groups: Access to support groups where individuals can connect with others who have experienced similar struggles and receive peer support

Our Mission

At Essence Healthcare, we are committed to helping individuals overcome their addiction and achieve lasting recovery. Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment where individuals can heal and grow.

Contact Essence Healthcare Today

If you or a loved one is struggling with barbiturate addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact us today to learn more about our services and start your journey toward recovery.

Resources

Questions About Treatment?

We are a patient-first substance abuse and mental health treatment facility located in Los Angeles, California. At Essence Healthcare, we provide different levels of care from detoxification to drug rehab aftercare. Our team is standing by to address your questions. Your call is confidential and no obligation is required.

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At EHC, we accept health insurance plans from most providers. If you are covered by a private or commercial insurance policy, your plan may cover your substance use and mental health treatment costs.

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