Know About Barbiturate Addiction and Abuse

Barbiturates are sedative-hypnotics prescribed as an anti-anxiety medication. Its high-risk dependent makes it a dangerous drug to consume.

In the early 1900s, barbiturates first came into existence to treat seizures and anxiety. By the 1960s and 1970s, they became even more popular through therapy. Soon, they evolved into recreational drugs to reduce inhibitions.

These actions soon took a dramatic turn by the late 1970s in the form of barbiturate addiction and abuse. A safer group of sedative-hypnotics known as benzodiazepines were released and replaced the used barbiturates.

Today, drugs like phenobarbital luminal can only be bought on a doctor’s prescription for specific conditions.

Understanding Barbiturate Addiction

A group of drugs belonging to the sedative-hypnotic class, barbiturates are known to cause feelings of decreased anxiety and induced sleep. They are often referred to by the street names” downers”, “reds” and “yellow jackets”.

Barbiturates are dangerous drugs with high physical and psychological addiction potential. The dosage can vary between users. One milligram may be optimal for some to achieve feelings of drowsiness but it can also cause an overdose.

Barbiturates have a narrow therapeutic-to-toxic window. Even the slightest difference in a dose can lead to excessive drowsiness or life-threatening consequences like a coma. Overdose from barbiturates also involves multi-drug use like opiates, oxycodone, or hydrocodone.

Symptoms of Barbiturate Abuse

Generally, barbiturates are known as brain relaxers. Consuming barbiturates for a prolonged time can make you dependent on the drug and lead to addiction. There are several symptoms indicating towards the same:

Mood Symptoms

• Euphoria
• Relaxation
• Feeling High
• Inability to think clearly
• Intense Relaxation
• Irritability
• Mood Swings

Behavioral Symptoms

• Slurred speech patterns
• Poor concentration
• Poor interpersonal skills
• Behaving recklessly
• Acting violently

Physical Symptoms

• Dependence
• Drowsiness
• Decreased Blood Pressure
• Inability to stay awake
• High fever
• Seizures
• Shallow breathing
• High fever
• Hard to breathe

Effects of Withdrawal

Withdrawing barbiturates from your body can show different effects on your body. The person would need immediate medical intervention. These effects start mild and quickly progress into extremely severe symptoms.

These withdrawal effects may include:

• Shakiness and tremors in the muscles
• Sleeping troubles
• Agitation
• Hallucinations
• Dangerously high body temperature
• Seizures
• Respiratory arrest
• Coma

Medical Treatment

The treatment of barbiturate abuse or overdose is supportive. The person suffering from the same requires great care and support – depending upon the symptoms.

• In case the person is drowsy and awake and can swallow or breathe without any trouble, the treatment requires constant observation.
• If the person is not breathing, equip them with a breathing machine and ensure the person breathes well until the effect of drugs has worn off.
• Activate charcoal binds with any drug residue left in the stomach. People receive it in a liquid form and it can be done by placing a tube in the stomach.
• People admitted to the hospital or emergency are observed for multiple hours and may need to stay admitted for several days of treatment. It can also depend on the situation of the patient.

Conclusion

Barbiturates are high-potential addictive drugs. Initially used for the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders. Due to their high dependency, they were replaced by another class of drugs. Addiction and abuse of drugs can be extremely dangerous or fatal. Pay immediately in case of any symptoms.

Note: The use of Barbiturates comes with a high risk of dependence. Buy Phenoobarbital Luminal only when prescribed by professionals.