Barbiturates are the most dangerous and abused depressants of the central nervous system in use today. Of the more that 2,500 produced, only 50 have been approved for clinical use. These vary in their effects and composition. Therefore, no one should consider the general information contained on this page as applying to all forms of barbiturates.

Barbiturates, sometimes known as sleeping pills, are odorless and tasteless white powders that come in capsules and tablets of different colors and sizes. They also come in liquid and suppository forms. Oral use is the most common form of ingestion.

Most barbiturates are obtained for therapeutic reasons by prescription from private physicians and in hospitals. There are few problems with prescription barbiturates if they are taken according to a doctor's instructions. However, because of the pleasant feelings barbiturates may produce, and along with the ease at which tolerance develops, barbiturates are often overused and abused by people who may become dependent on them. Barbiturates are a leading factor in many suicides, attempted suicides, and accidental drug poisonings.

Seconal, Tuinal, Nembutal, Amytal, Phenobarbital, and Penfathol are the medical names of the most commonly used barbiturates. Many of the barbiturates on the illicit market are known as "reds", "yellow jackets", "yellow submarines", or "rainbows".

Hypnotic works on the brain stem, inducing sleep along with depression of most body functions. Their general effect is much like alcohol. The specific effects of the drug are dependent on a number of variables:

	the amount taken
	the user's past drug experience
	the circumstances under which the drug was taken
	the way the drug was taken

Small doses of barbiturates will reduce anxiety and tension by producing calmness and muscular relaxation, although some persons may experience the reverse or excited reactions. Larger doses can produce:

	slurred speech
	staggering
	slowed reactions
	poor memory
	faulty judgment
	emotional instability
	irritability
	depression

Larger doses may cause unconsciousness and, if enough is taken, to stop the functioning of the brain then death may result. The range between a sleep-producing dose and a death-producing dose is narrow; users are cautioned against taking more than the prescribed amount. They are also cautioned against taking illicit barbiturates that vary in the effects they produce.

When barbiturates are taken over a long period of time, tolerance develops and increased dosages are required to produce the original effects. This often results in physical dependency. Withdrawal symptoms that include progressive restlessness, anxiety, irritability, possible delirium, and convulsions will occur anytime after the drug is stopped, and may occur for 7 days. Without adequate medical supervision, withdrawal from barbiturates can be fatal.

The risk of death is also present when users take barbiturates in combination with other central nervous system depressants such as:

	tranquilizers
	opiates
	alcohol
	methaqualone

In fact, this is the most common form of intentional and unintentional overdose. In case of an overdose, the user should be immediately taken to a hospital emergency room or an ambulance should be called.

For additional information concerning barbiturates and other central nervous system depressants, call HealthWorks at (814) 863-2500, or stop by room 201 Student Health Center. In addition, Wellspring from On Drugs, Inc., at 236 South Allen Street is another good source of information. You can call Wellspring from On Drugs at (814) 237-5855, 24 hours a day, every day.

Students at campuses other than University Park should consult their Campus Health Office for information.