What are they? Barbiturates are depressants that affect the central nervous system (CNS). Depressants act as downers, and can slow the body and mind down. There are over 2,000 known barbiturates. Street Names: Barbs, downers, sleepers, stumblers, blues, yellow jackets, purple hearts,  red dolls, rainbows,  tootsies How is it taken? Taken orally (pills of various colors) The Scoop on Barbiturates Barbiturates are some of the of the most addictive drugs.  They are often a substitute for alcohol (as similar effects are produced.) People use Barbiturates to get a sense of euphoria and relaxation. However, it is illegal to take barbiturates with out a doctor's prescription and supervision Short Term Effects of Barbiturates: (last for 15 hours after ingestion)

• Relief of tension and anxiety
• Sleepiness
• Feeling of drunkenness / intoxication
• Slurred speech
• Inability to control simple bodily functions (walking, balance, etc...)
• Memory impairment
• Emotional instability

Long Term Effects of Barbiturates:

• Chronic tiredness
• General uncoordination
• Vision problems
• Dizziness
• Slowed reflexes and response
• Sexual dysfunction
• Menstrual irregularities
• Breathing disorders

Tolerance:

• Develops very rapidly
• Ten times the original dosage may be required to produce the same high

Withdrawal symptoms:

• Hallucinations
• Eating disorders
• Disorientation
• Vomiting
• Sleep disorders

Barbiturates and other depressants: The combination of barbiturates and other drugs is very dangerous (especially when combined with other CNS Depressants like Demerol, heroin, morphine, and codeine). Barbiturates produce many of the same effects as alcohol, and the combination of the two is often lethal. There is a hidden danger with barbiturate use, especially if you suffer from allergies. Antihistamines (found in most allergy, cold, and sinus medicine) are another type of CNS Depressants, and when taken with barbiturates, can cause respiratory arrest. Barbiturates and stimulants: Barbiturates are often used to counteract large doses of amphetamines or cocaine (both stimulants). This mixture is extremely dangerous, as it can increase heart rate, and cause coronary arrest. If Barbiturates are a prescribed drug, are they really that dangerous? Yes! Barbiturates are only legal if prescribed by and supervised by a doctor. It can be used to treat a variety of disorders like sleeplessness, anxiety, tension, and epileptic seizures.  A prescribed dose of barbiturates rarely exceeds 50 mg, but should tolerance develop, up to ten times thatamount may be necessary to produce a similar feeling. Barbiturates are very dangerous to pregnant women and a growing fetus. A baby born dependent to these drugs can have severe respiratory, feeding sleep, and seizure disorders. Men who are using barbiturates should note that sexual dysfunction can result, and women who are taking oral contraceptives should be aware that barbiturates reduce the effectiveness of the drug.

---

Sources:  1.  Dade Behring Chemistry Systems. "Clinical Information on Barbiturates".  2.  http://www.dadechemistry.com/clinicalhtm/barbitur.htm  3.  University of Masarykiana (Czech Republic). "Faculty of Informatics-Barbiturates".  4.  http://www.fi.muni.cz/~toms/psychedelia.html  5.  Wisconsin Clearinghouse. "Barbiturates-Mind Altering Drug Series"