Overview Barbiturates are depressants that produce a wide spectrum of central nervous system
depression from mild sedation to coma. They have also been used as sedatives, hypnotics,
anesthetics, and anticonvulsants. Barbiturates are classified as Ultrashort, Short, Intermediate and
Long-acting

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

Looks like: Barbiturates come in a variety of multicolored pills and tablets. Abusers prefer the short-acting and intermediate barbiturates such as Amytal® and Seconal®.

Methods of abuse Barbiturates are abused by swallowing a pill or injecting a liquid form.
Barbiturates are generally abused to reduce anxiety, decrease inhibitions, and treat unwanted effects of illicit drugs. Barbiturates can be extremely dangerous because overdoses can occur easily and lead to death

Effect on mind Barbiturates cause mild euphoria, lack of inhibition, relief of anxiety and sleepiness.
Higher doses cause impairment of memory, judgment and coordination, irritability, and paranoia and suicidal ideation. Tolerance develops quickly and larger doses are then needed to produce the same effect, increasing the danger of an overdose.

Effect on body Barbiturates slow down the central nervous system and cause sleepiness

Drugs causing similar effects Drugs with similar effects include alcohol, benzodiazepines like
Valium® and Xanax®, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, Rohypnol®, and GHB

Overdose effects Effects of overdose include shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma, and possible death