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Barbiturates were once prescribed for anxiety, insomnia and seizures. However, after it was revealed that they had a high risk of abuse, addiction and overdose, their use within medical settings was made less common.
Some modern doctors still prescribe barbiturates, though, which is why it’s important to be aware of them, their addictive properties and the dangers they pose if you or someone you love has been prescribed them. Here, we explore what barbiturates are, their uses and risks, and the warning signs of misuse.
What Are Barbiturates?
Barbiturates are known as sedative-hypnotic drugs. They work in the central nervous system, depressing its activity, which can result in feelings of drowsiness, relaxation and, at higher doses, unconsciousness and even death. First developed in the early 20th century, barbiturates became widely used in medical settings to treat conditions like:
- Anxiety – Thanks to their sedative-inducing effects, barbiturates were commonly used to calm individuals suffering from stress-related conditions.
- Insomnia – Barbiturates are known to help people to fall and stay asleep. Some barbiturates, like Thiopental, have been used to induce anaesthesia before surgery.
- Seizures – A type of Barbiturate called Phenobarbital, which remains in use today, acts as an anticonvulsant and is commonly used to treat epilepsy.
While these drugs have been proven to be very effective in specific medical contexts, they have a high risk of dependency and overdose. This has resulted in a dramatic reduction of their use. Today, there are safer alternatives, such as benzodiazepines, which are much more commonly used to treat insomnia and anxiety.
How Barbiturates Affect the Central Nervous System
Barbiturates stimulate a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which inhibits the brain’s activity.
At a lower dose, barbiturates result in mild drowsiness and anxiety relief, while high doses lead to sleep, unconsciousness and even respiratory failure. Unfortunately, there is a narrow window for barbiturates – making the range between a lethal and effective dose hard to navigate. This is one of the main reasons why barbiturates are less prescribed today.
Are Barbiturates addictive?
Studies have shown that barbiturates are highly addictive. Even when taken as prescribed, there is a high potential for both physical and psychological dependence. Physical dependence can develop quickly, especially when the drug is used over an extended period or at higher doses than prescribed.
This is because the body becomes accustomed to barbiturates, resulting in tolerance. Individuals will need more of the drug to achieve the desired effects, and this escalation in behaviour can soon result in dependence, where the body relies on the drug to function. When someone is physically dependent on barbiturates, stopping use suddenly can result in withdrawal symptoms, including tremors, anxiety, irritability, seizures, insomnia and delirium. These symptoms can become severe, which means that anyone attempting to quit barbiturates should seek medical supervision.
As well as this, individuals can develop a psychological dependence. This is where they experience an overwhelming urge to use barbiturates for their calming or sedative effects and, over time, may become reliant on the drug to cope with stress, anxiety or insomnia. Even when the harmful effects are evident, individuals can find it very hard to stop using it. These addictive elements are another reason why barbiturates have fallen out of favour in modern medicine.
The Dangers of Barbiturate Overdose
Barbiturate medication suppresses the central nervous system, which can lead to respiratory depression – a condition where the breathing becomes slow or even stops. Because the difference between an effective and fatal dose is so small, the risk of overdose is very high. Even a slight miscalculation in the dosage of barbiturates can result in life-threatening consequences.
In the event of an overdose, the body’s vital functions, like breathing and heart rate, slow down to a dangerous level. If untreated, this can result in brain damage, coma and even death. The risk of overdose is exceptionally high when someone has taken a large dose of the drug, when they have combined it with other depressants and alcohol, or when they have taken barbiturates without medical supervision.
The most common signs of overdose include:
- Extreme drowsiness or unconsciousness
- Shallow or slowed breathing
- A weak pulse
- Confusion
- Clammy skin
It’s important to know that overdose can happen to people using barbiturates recreationally and also those who are prescribed doses of the drug but unintentionally exceed the safe amounts. Being aware of the signs of overdose can help to reduce a fatal outcome. If you think someone is experiencing an overdose, you must seek medical help.
How to Recognise Barbiturate Misuse
At first, substance misuse may appear subtle, but it can soon escalate. Recognising the signs of misuse early can help to prevent serious consequences, including addiction and overdose.
Misuse of barbiturates occurs when someone takes the drug in larger doses than prescribed, more frequently than prescribed and without a prescription. Some of the key signs that someone might be misusing the drug include:
- Drowsiness or lethargy
- Confusion, memory problems and poor judgement
- Lack of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Mood swings
- Doctor shopping – where individuals visit multiple doctors to get more prescriptions or may lie about symptoms to receive additional prescriptions
If you notice any of these signs in a friend or family member, it’s essential to get them professional help quickly. Addiction and misuse can escalate quickly, but early intervention can prevent serious health consequences.
Why Barbiturates Are Less Commonly Prescribed Today
As a result of the high risks associated with addiction and overdose, modern doctors rarely prescribe barbiturates today. Instead, safer medications like benzodiazepines are used. Certain types of barbiturates are still used, though, including phenobarbital for epileptic seizures. Medical professionals now have a better understanding of barbiturates and the risks involved, and they are more cautious about their use. If prescribed, it is usually for a short period, and individuals are monitored to minimise risks.
For those concerned about misuse or barbiturate addiction, reaching out to a professional rehab clinic is often the first step in recovery. For more information on how to get the relevant treatment and support, call us on 0800 470 0382.
