Barbituates are a group of drugs that act as a drepressant of the central nervous system and can be addictive, and in some cases fatal if taken on a regular or heavy basis. Barbiturates are for the most part synthetic prescription medications that are prescribed by medical professionals for their sedating effects. Some examples of barbituates are Pentobarbital (Nembutal), Secobarbital (Seconal), Amobarbital (Amytal) and Phenobarbital (Luminal). These prescription drugs can cause a variety of effects that range from mild sedation to unconciousness. Barbiturate drugs are both physically and mentally addictive and is a growing factor in the rise of prescription drug abuse in the United States.
In low doses barbiturates can reduce blood pressure and heart rate and also reduce anxiety, but in higher doses barbiturates can actually act as a stimulant in the body of the user. Barbiturates are extremely addictive because drug tolerance occurs relatively quickly which requires abusers to take more and more of the medication in order to achieve the same effects as it had initially. Over time barbituate use can lead to organ damage, memory and judgment problems, depression, anger, mood swings and fatigue.
Some of the symptoms of barbituate abuse include: problems with talking or problem solving, problems with motor functions such as walking, individual may fall a lot and have bruises, and sleepiness. Some withdrawal symptoms from barbituates include: insomnia, restlessness, weakness, nausea, vomitting, sweating, hallucinations and seizures.
