Barbiturates

1
Chapter 9

• Barbiturates-
• Phenobarbital, Seconal, Talbutal

2
Early use

• Chloral hydrate-1870, drawbacks stomach problems,
  very addictive, cardiac problems, dangerous w/d
• Bromide salts-mid-1800s-sleep aide and now
  replaced with barbiturates and benzos
• Used for anxiety and insomnia

3
Abuse potential

• Considerable
• Between 1950-1970s second only to alcohol as
  drugs of abuse
• Many older people became addicted to when younger
• Not prescribed much
• Person acts drunk but no smell of alcohol

4
Effects of CNS

• Quickly effects the brain
• Rapidly reaches body organs and cells
• Stimulates neurotransmitter GABA (inhibits
  production of brain chemicals)
• Been replaced by benzos due to OD potential from
  becoming toxic

5
Withdrawal

• Life threatening
• Should be slowly withdrawn from the drug
• Under supervision of a physician
• 80 who discontinue abruptly will seizure
• Can last up to several weeks, person may feel
  anxious for months