BARBITURATES

Common names

Licit:
amytal
(amylobarbitone),
nembutal
(pentobarbitone),
phenobarbitol
(phenobarbitone),
secobarbital,
seconal
sodium
(quinalbarbitone sodium), sodium amytal (amylobarbitone sodium),
soneryl
(butobarbitone),
tuinal
(quinalbarbitone
sodium
&
amylobarbitone).
Illicit: barbs, blues, reds, blues & reds, sleepers, downers, nembies.

Generic Name:

Barbiturates

Scientific Names:

Phenobarbitone
Amylobarbitone
Amylobarbitone Sulphate
Butobarbitone
Quinalbarbitone

Action:

Central Nervous system depressant

Sedative.

History of Barbiturates

1862 Barbiturates were developed by Adolph von Bayer.

1903 Put to use for the first time in medical practices.
Since 1903 Over 2,000 types of barbiturates have been
manufactured using Bayers original formula.

Origin of the term barbiturates

There are several speculations about the origin of the term

barbiturates. Some suggest it was a name given by Baeyer in honor of
his friend Barbara.
Yet others suggest that Baeyer celebrated his discovery of these
compounds in a tavern near his home that was frequented by artillery
officers. These officers were celebrating the day of their patron, St
Barbara. The name could have come from there.
Another possibility of the name was that the name came from the
barbed appearance of the molecule due to the appearance of the
crystals of these ureic compounds.

What are Barbiturates?

Barbiturates are multi-colored pills and tablets that are classified as

Central Nervous System Depressants.
Barbiturates are often identified on the street by the color of the
pill/tablet but are most often known as Downers.
The most common type of synthetic sedatives.

Note:
o Downers it is a depressant or tranquilizing drug, especially a
barbiturate.

How are Barbiturates consumed?

Orally In pill, tablet or liquid form

Injection
Into the blood stream
Into muscle tissue
Directly under the skin
Inserted into the body via suppository.

Why are Barbiturates used?

Reduce anxiety
Induce sleep
To treat epilepsy and insomnia
Barbiturates are also consumed to get high.

Note:
o High It is a state of euphoria, ecstatic, walking on air, or cloud nine.
It is a feeling of intense excitement and happiness. An example of
activity that can result a brief state of euphoria is orgasm.

Symptoms of Barbiturate Abuse

Barbiturates relax the brain, causing an individual who is on barbiturates to
appear similar to an individual intoxicated from alcohol use. The symptoms
of barbiturate abuse and addiction will vary depending upon an individuals
genetic makeup, the length of time an individual has been addicted, and the
dosage an individual has taken. Common symptoms of barbiturate abuse
include:

Mood symptoms:

Depression
Mood swings
Agitation or state of anxiety or nervous excitement.
Irritability
Decreased anxiety
Unusual excitement

Behavioral symptoms:

Slurred speech or poor pronunciation of words

Decreased motor control
Poor concentration
Lack of coordination
Sluggishness or slow movement

Physical symptoms:

Hypotension or low blood pressure

Dizziness
Bradycardia
Reduction of Rapid eye movement in sleep
Respiratory depression
Sleepiness
Slowed pulse
Bradypnea
Respiratory arrest
Visual problems
Unable to urinate
Dilated pupils

Psychological symptoms:

Tolerance
Slowed brain function
Confusion
Impaired judgment
Dependence
Hallucinations
Delusions
Addiction

Effects of Barbiturate Addiction

The long-term effects of barbiturate addiction will look different in each
person. Most common long-term effects of barbiturate abuse include:

Strained interpersonal relationships

Changes in alertness
Decreased functioning
Irritability
Memory loss
Divorce
Liver damage, heart damage, CNS damage

Respiratory depression and arrest

Confusion
Job loss
Expulsion from school
Risky behavior
Seizures
Coma
Death

Effects of Withdrawal
If used for a prolonged period of time, individuals who abuse barbiturates
can become addicted and dependent upon the drug. The development of a
barbiturate dependence makes it harder for an addict to give up the drug
and leads to severe withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms may include:

Agitation
Delirium
Convulsions
Weakness
Anxiety
Nausea and vomiting
Sleep disturbances
Tremors
Hallucinations
Dangerously high fevers
Seizures

http://www.deltamedcenter.com/addiction/barbiturates/effects-symptomssigns#Symptoms-of-Barbiturate-Abuse