Barbiturate Addiction: Abuse, Signs, & More

Barbiturate depressant drugs are drugs that act on the central nervous system to produce sedation, sleep, or anesthesia. They are called central nervous system (CNS) depressants, because they slow down the activity of the brain and the nervous system. Barbiturates are divided into two groups: short-acting and long-acting. Short-acting barbiturates include secobarbital (Seconal) and pentobarbital (Nembutal).

Long-acting barbiturates include phenobarbital (Luminal) and amobarbital (Amytal). These longer-duration drugs are primarily used for their anticonvulsant and sedative effects. However, these drugs can be abused by a number of means, and are accordingly classified as controlled substances. Signs that someone may have formed a physical dependence on or addiction to barbiturate intoxication include drowsiness, slurred speech, confusion, and impaired coordination.

Why People Abuse Barbiturates

Barbiturate drugs are a type of medication that act as central nervous system depressants. They are commonly used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. However, barbiturates are also commonly abused due to their sedative and hypnotic effects.

Some people may make use of barbiturates to feel a sense of sedation and relaxation, which is appealing to people who battle anxiety or stress. Self-medication is one reason some people abuse barbiturates, since the prescription drug provides temporary relief from the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

Commonly Abused Barbiturates

There are many different barbiturate prescription medications that are subject to abuse, all of which are prescribed to treat differing severity levels of certain health complications.

Fioricet

Fioricet is a barbiturate-class medication that combines three main compounds —caffeine, acetaminophen, and butalbital — the last of which is a barbiturate drug. However, Fioricet can lead to physical dependence and barbiturate tolerance, which unfortunately leads commonly to increased doses of the drug to treat the same symptoms, hence its abuse potential.

Learn more about Fioricet abuse.

Amytal (Amobarbital)

Amytal is used to treat anxiety disorders and short-term sleep problems (such as insomnia). The effects of Amytal can be felt within 30 minutes, and the drug typically lasts for four to six hours. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.

Read about Amytal abuse.

Seconal (Secobarbital)

Seconal (Secobarbital) is a short-acting barbiturate that is used as both a sedative and a hypnotic medication. This drug is extremely potent, and as such is only recommended for short-term use.

Nembutal (Pentobarbital)

Nembutal, also known as pentobarbital, is a short-acting barbiturate that is used as a sedative, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant. This prescription medication is also used to treat sleep disorders. It is sometimes used in the healthcare field as a preoperative medication to help relieve anxiety and produce sleepiness or drowsiness.

Side effects of barbiturate use, especially with Nembutal, include nausea, vomiting, overactive reflexes, and hyperactivity.

Luminal (Phenobarbital)

Luminal (phenobarbital) is a barbiturate used primarily to treat seizures. It is a rapid-acting drug, and the effects typically last for about 30-60 minutes. The most common side effects of Luminal are drowsiness, dizziness, and lightheadedness. More serious side effects include addiction, overdose, and death.

Pentothal (Thiopental)

Pentothal (Thiopental) is a short-acting barbiturate that is commonly used as an anesthetic. It is typically used to induce anesthesia prior to surgery and is also sometimes used as a sedative or to help control seizures.

Are Some Barbiturates Stronger Than Others?

Most barbiturates are about equally strong, with the exception of phenobarbital (Luminal), which is significantly more potent. All barbiturates are central nervous system depressants and can be used to treat anxiety or insomnia.

However, the strength of each prescription depends on the barbiturate used and to what extent it is meant to control or dampen the symptoms it is being used to treat.

View a list of barbiturates from strongest to weakest.

Methods Of Barbiturate Abuse

There are several ways to abuse barbiturates, with swallowing the prescription in its pill form among the most common methods of abuse. Some people crush the pills and snort them, while others dissolve the barbiturates in liquid for intravenous use. Still others may plug barbiturates (rectal use) to encourage quick onset of effects of the drugs.

Signs Of Barbiturate Misuse

There are many signs and symptoms of barbiturate abuse which can point to a potential addiction or physical dependence.

Signs of barbiturate misuse include:

• constantly taking high doses of barbiturates
• cravings for the drug
• consuming barbiturates alongside other substances
• guilt over drug use
• tolerance
• symptoms of psychosis
• paranoia

Dangers Of Mixing Barbiturates And Other Drugs

Mixing barbiturates with other substances can lead to polydrug addiction, the potential for risky behavior, and overdose.

Mixing barbiturates with substances such as methamphetamine or alcohol can greatly increase potency and toxicity, while simultaneously rendering the individual unaware of its effects.

Greater Risk Of Overdose

When barbiturates, sedative-hypnotic drugs, are taken alongside other substances, there is an increased risk of overdose.

Stimulants: People who use stimulants such as cocaine or methamphetamine may take barbiturates to counteract the intense symptoms of these “uppers.” This creates a dangerous push-pull effect on the body and significantly increases overdose risk.
Alcohol: Combining barbiturates and alcohol is extremely dangerous, as both are central nervous system depressants. This combination can cause severe respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, and fatal overdose.
Opioids: Both drug classes depress the central nervous system and slow breathing. While naloxone (Narcan) may help reverse opioid effects in these mixed overdoses, it cannot reverse the barbiturate-induced coma or respiratory depression.
Benzodiazepines: Mixing barbiturates with benzodiazepines or other sedative-hypnotics compounds their depressant effects, leading to severe sedation, respiratory failure, and increased risk of death.

Physical Dependency

Physical dependency is common among people who misuse barbiturates, especially with other drugs. This can further the cycle of addiction and result in taking increased doses to achieve the desired effect, which can cause an overdose.

Long-Term Effects Of Barbiturate Abuse

Regular barbiturate abuse can take a serious toll on both physical and mental health over time. Prolonged use has been linked to chronic fatigue, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and impaired coordination that can persist even when the drug is not being actively used. Long-term abuse can also worsen underlying mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, creating a difficult cycle in which a person continues using the drug to manage the very symptoms it is making worse.

Physical health consequences of long-term barbiturate abuse can be significant as well. Chronic use can affect liver function, weaken the respiratory system, and increase the risk of accidental overdose as tolerance builds and higher doses are required to feel the same effects. For people who have been abusing barbiturates alongside other substances, the long-term health risks are even greater and may require intensive medical care.

Signs Of Barbiturate Overdose

There are many signs of barbiturate overdose. The most common signs are slurred speech, loss of coordination, and drowsiness.

Other signs of barbiturate overdose include:

• slowed or shallow breathing
• dilated pupils
• unconsciousness
• fast heart rate

Unfortunately, there is no overdose reversal drug for barbiturate overdose, as there is for other drugs of abuse, such as opioids.

If you suspect a friend or family member is having an overdose, it’s important to get them swift medical attention.

Barbiturate Withdrawal Symptoms

Because barbiturate abuse can lead to a chemical dependence, this in turn can result in withdrawal syndrome when a person stops taking the medications. Barbiturate withdrawal symptoms can be both physically and psychologically difficult to cope with.

The most common withdrawal symptoms include:

• fatigue
• muscle aches
• anxiety
• depression
• irritability

Detoxing From Barbiturates

Due to their addictive qualities, detoxing from barbiturates may be difficult, particularly without medical supervision. The detox process will usually involve slowly tapering off the drug while being monitored for withdrawal symptoms, and can cause anxiety, depression, and seizures. Symptoms of withdrawal become noticeable after 24 hours of being without the drug, and can take four to five days before medical risk due to detoxification is out of the way.

After that, physical symptoms exponentially decrease after three to four weeks, alongside emotional and psychological symptoms.

Learn more about the detox process for the following barbiturates:

• Fioricet detox
• Amytal detox

How To Find Treatment For Barbiturate Addiction

Reaching out for help is the most important step a person can take when struggling with barbiturate addiction. Because withdrawal from barbiturates can be dangerous and even life-threatening in some cases, it is strongly recommended that anyone looking to stop use do so under medical supervision rather than attempting to quit on their own. A medically supervised detox program can manage withdrawal symptoms safely and reduce the risk of serious complications like seizures.

Following detox, continued treatment through an inpatient or outpatient rehab program can help address the underlying causes of addiction. Evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, group counseling, and dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions are commonly offered at addiction treatment facilities. Aftercare planning and support groups can also play an important role in maintaining sobriety after formal treatment has ended.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff