Central Nervous System Depressants: Barbiturates

What is it?

Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants that slow down the mind and body, causing drowsiness and sleepiness.

Brand/Commercial Names

Amytal®
Nembutal®
Seconal®
Phenobarbital
Tuinal

Street Names

Barbs
Block Busters
Christmas Trees
Golf Balls
Pinks
Reds
Red Birds
Red Devils
Reds and Blues
Phennies
Tooies
Yellows
Yellow Jackets

Looks Like

Multi-colored tablets and capsules

How it is Administered/Used

Injected
Swallowed

Dangerous Because

Higher doses cause irritability, paranoia, suicidal thoughts, unusual excitement, fever, life-threatening withdrawal, impaired memory, judgment and coordination.

Teen Usage

1 in 11 12th graders have abused sedatives and tranquilizers

Important to Know

Barbiturates mimic alcohol intoxication, causing mild euphoria, relief of anxiety and sleepiness.

Abuse can lead to physical dependence and barbiturate withdrawal can be life-threatening.

Signs of Abuse

Slurred speech, shallow breathing, sluggishness, fatigue, disorientation, lack of coordination, dilated pupils