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United States 
Drug Enforcement Administration
Barbiturates
Barbiturates
Barbiturates

Barbiturates

What is it?

Depressant drug used to help sleep, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, 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 is it used?

  • Swallowing a pill or injecting a liquid

How does it affect the body?

  • Lack of inhibition, relief of anxiety, sleepiness; impairment of memory, judgment and coordination; irritability
  • Paranoia and suicidal thought
  • Tolerance is easily developed, requiring larger doses each time
  • Overdose can occur easily and can be fatal. Signs: Shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma
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