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The Barbiturates

المؤلف:  Max M. Houck، Jay A. Siegel

المصدر:  Fundamentals of Forensic Science

الجزء والصفحة:  331

2026-08-08

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The Barbiturates

Depressant drugs are known by a variety of names including sedatives, hypnotics, and the street drug term “downers.” They all have the common effect to one degree or another, of decreasing brain activity. In small doses, these drugs may be taken to reduce anxiety and are termed “sedatives.” In larger doses, the same drugs are taken as sleeping pills and are called “hypnotics.” The major class of illicit depressants in the United States is the barbiturates. This is a group of chemical substances based on the compounds barbituric acid and thiobarbituric acid. Barbituric acid itself is not a central nervous system depressant, but over 2500 derivatives have since been produced. Barbiturates are grouped pharmacologically into three groups: short, inter mediate, and long acting. As a group, the barbiturates can be highly addictive and withdrawal can be difficult and dangerous. Sudden (“cold turkey”) withdrawal of some of the more powerful barbiturates can be fatal. There is also a great danger of the interaction of alcohol and barbiturates. Several people, including some celebrities have died from an accidental (or deliberate) overdose of alcohol and “barbs.” Other people become addicted to barbiturates and amphetamines, taking both in great quantities. Detoxification from this potentially lethal combination of drugs can take many months or even years.