Barbiturates act as central nervous system depressants, and because of this, they produce a numerous effects, from mild sedation to total anesthesia. They also work as anticonvulsants (to treat seizures), anti-anxiety and hypnotics. They are potentially addictive physically as well as psychologically. Barbiturates are derivatives of barbituric acid which is an odorless powder that dissolves in hot water and is not pharmacologically active by itself. In routine medical practice barbiturates have largely been replaced by benzodiazepines because they are significantly less dangerous in overdose. Barbiturates are, however, still used in general anesthesia and in the treatment of epileptic seizures.
Barbiturates in high doses are commonly used for physician assisted suicides. They are also combined with a muscle relaxant for euthanasia and lethal injections for capital punishment. Sodium Pentothal is an ultra short acting barbiturate that is sometimes used as a ‘truth serum’. It can be swallowed or used in an intravenous injection when dissolved in water. The drug does not actually force people to tell the truth. It decreases inhibitions that make people more likely to be caught off guard when they are being questioned.
Barbiturates are intoxicating and produce similar effects. Symptoms include respiratory depression, lowered blood pressure, fatigue, fever, irritability, dizziness, poor concentration, confusion, impaired coordination and judgment, unusual excitement, sedation and respiratory arrest which can lead to death.
The biggest risk of acute barbiturate abuse is respiratory depression. Physical and psychological dependence can develop with repeated use. Other effects of barbiturate intoxication include drowsiness, slurred speech, decreased anxiety, loss of inhibitions, lateral and vertical involuntary eye movement and a gross lack of coordination of muscle movements. A Better Tomorrow can help break the barbiturate habit, but you have to make the contact. Do it now, for yourself, or for someone who loves you.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow today. We are here to help.
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I often wondered what they used in lethal injections for the death penalty. That should tell people something about their choice of drugs.
ReplyDeleteA young friend of mine had a brain anyeurism when she was 7 years old. She has suffered from seizures ever since. She takes a barbiturate to control the seizures and it had some awful side effects. I blows my mind that people take this for fun.
ReplyDeleteAny one who has watched TV has heard of Sodium Pentothal but I had no idea it was a barbiturate. It amazes me that a drug can do so much good, but also cause so much destruction.
ReplyDeleteMy sister had to take a barbiturate for seizures and one time she took more than she was supposed to. It was a scary mess and I hope I never have to witness that again. She was in the hospital for several days after that.
ReplyDeleteIs there any place in the world where physician assisted suicides are legal? I don't think they are in the US, but I'm not so sure about other countries.
ReplyDeleteI wonder about psychological addiction. Is that possible without physical addiction? I'm guessing that it's the feeling that they crave and believe they can't do without which makes it a psychological addiction.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the enlightening articles you always post on this sight. I could spend hours just looking for a book instead I come here and get an education. I really appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteHow would you ever be able to kick an addiction that is both physical and psychological? Recovery must be a real nightmare for the user. Of course, their life probably is a nightmare anyway.
ReplyDeleteWhy would you take any drug that was going to affect your central nervous system? Do these people understand what they are dealing with, or do they even care.
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered if people were predestined to be addicts. Maybe that's not the right word. Is there something in the genetic makeup that makes them more suceptable?
ReplyDeleteBarbituates were big on the scene when I was young. Truck drivers especially used them. Now, they are only 1 in a long list of available drugs.
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