Barbiturates are depressants that have a variety of medical uses. Their therapeutic use has declined in recent years, however, because of the possibility of abuse. Like many medications that work as depressants, the pharmacological properties of barbiturates lend themselves both to clinical and recreational use.
Identification
Barbiturates are a group of drugs that work as a depressant of the central nervous system, which means that they suppress activity in the brain. They can have a number of different pharmacological properties depending on minor chemical changes, which allow them to be used for a variety of purposes.
Mechanism
RxMed notes that the exact mechanism by which barbiturates have their effects is not completely understood. Barbiturates may stimulate the production and secretion of a chemical called GABA, which works to inhibit neural activity. Alternately, it may be able to mimic GABA's effects.
Types
According to AZDrugs, barbiturates are broken into categories--ultra-short, short, intermediate and long acting--depending on the duration and onset of their effects. Ultra-short-acting barbiturates, such as thiopental, can produce unconsciousness within a minute of administration. Intermediate-acting barbiturates have an effect within 15 minutes of being taken and can last for five to six hours. Long-acting forms can take over an hour to produce effects but can last for more than 12 hours.
Medical Uses
Ultra-short-term barbiturates can be used for surgical anesthesia. Short-acting barbiturates can be prescribed as sleeping pills or sedatives (though benzodiazepines are more commonly prescribed for these purposes). Long-acting barbiturates can be used to treat anxiety and can also be used as anti-convulsants, which are used to treat seizures.
Barbiturate Abuse
Medline Plus notes that when taken in small doses, barbiturates have an effect that is similar to alcohol. Barbiturates, however, can cause acute overdoses, where they can cause memory loss, loss of coordination, slowed breathing and heart rate, and drowsiness. In severe cases of overdose, barbiturates can cause a coma, which can be fatal.
