Barbiturates

Barbiturates

Street name

Barbs, Barbies, Blue bullets, Blue devils, Gorillas, Pink ladies, Red devils, Sleepers, Red birds, Rainbows, Yellow jackets

General Info

Barbiturates are synthetic drugs which used to be regularly prescribed for anxiety, depression and insomnia. However, they are highly dangerous because of the small difference between a normal dose and an overdose. They caused accidental death and were used in suicides. Barbiturates are drugs that act as central nervous system depressants. They have addiction potential, both physical and psychological. Barbiturates have now largely been replaced by benzodiazepines in routine medical practice - for example, in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia – mainly because benzodiazepines are significantly less dangerous in overdose.

Effects

• A wide spectrum of effects, from mild sedation to total anesthesia
• In small doses it makes users feel relaxed , sociable and in good humour
• Similar effects as alcohol
• Can cause anxiety and hostility when taken in larger doses
• Slurred speech and loss of coordination
• Unconsciousness

Risks

• Addiction both physical or psychological
• Injuries resulting from accidents under the effect of the drug
• Convulsions or seizures
• Overdose
• Death

Class

Class B