Barbiturates :

•  Presentation: Barbiturates usually take the form of tablets or injectable preparations. They act as central nervous system depressants and have hypnotic and antiepileptic sedative properties. The introduction of benzodiazepines has marginalised the use of barbiturates reserved for more delicate usage. Today, barbiturates are mainly prescribed by neurologists for their antiepileptic properties. Amongst the most common chemical substances are: phenobarbital (Alepsal®, gardenal®), primidone (mysoline®)…

•  Common name : Downers, barbs, sleeping pills.

•  Effects : The effects vary depending on the doses taken and on the context of use. One dose of barbiturates could induce sleepiness in a quiet context, while it could be stimulating if taken at a party or with alcohol for example. Chronic use of barbiturates induces a symptomatology comparable to chronic ethylism (depression, mood disorders, decreased intellectual capacities, asthenia). Barbiturates can be used by drug-addicts when they are out of a drug or to balance the stimulant effects of drugs such as LSD. Heavy use or the combination with other drugs such as opiates reinforces the respiratory depression effects of barbiturates and can lead to death.