Barbiturates

What are Barbiturates?

Depressant drug used to help sleep, relieve anxiety, muscle spasms, and prevent seizures.
Prescribed names: Fiorina®, Pentothal®, Seconal®, or Nembutal®.

Street Names

Barbs, Block Busters, Christmas Trees, Goof Balls, Pinks, Red Devils, Reds & Blues, Yellow Jackets,

How are they abused?

Swallowing a pill or injecting a liquid form. Barbiturates are generally abused to reduce anxiety, decrease inhibitions, and treat unwanted effects of illicit drugs.

What is their effect on the body?

Barbiturates slow down the central nervous system and cause sleepiness. Mild euphoria, lack of restraint, relief of anxiety. Impairment of memory, judgment, and coordination. Irritability, paranoia and suicidal ideation.

What are their overdose effects?

Central nervous system depression, decreased respiration, increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, decreased urine production, decreased body temperature, coma, and possible death.

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