Barbiturates are hypnotic and sedative drugs that are traditionally prescribed for reducing anxiety, inducing sleep, anesthetizing, and controlling seizures. While their use has been significantly reduced in the medical community because of newer and more effective alternatives, they are still used for particular neurological issues. Despite the declining popularity of barbiturates, misuse of these drugs persists because of their sedative, mood enhancing, and addictive effects.
How Dangerous Are Barbiturates?
Barbiturates have an increased risk of misapplication, accidental overdose, and addiction, made more dangerous because depressants affect the central nervous system or CNS, and could lead to toxicity and impairment of daily functioning. They can efficiently slow down and completely halt crucial life functions. Dosing should be exact and monitored to avoid overdosing.
These potentially life-threatening risks increase with recreational or illegal use. Lack of proper medical monitoring and supervision, the potential to progressively take increasing doses, and combining barbiturates with alcohol or other controlled substances can contribute to the negative and potentially fatal effects of barbiturate dependence, says a drug rehabilitation program counselor in Salt Lake City.
In addition, due to the rapid onset of effects, the faster acting variants have an increased risk of dependence and misuse. Time-release variants, on the other hand, could lead to accidental overdose when misused. Users could take more of the barbiturate to try and chase the “high” faster.
Side Effects and Symptoms of Barbiturate Abuse
Barbiturates can provide potent depressant effects even at extremely low amounts, while more severe and chronic effects could crop up at higher amounts, or after using the drug for longer periods. Common symptoms and side effects include coordination issues, slurred speech, drowsiness, impaired judgment, overall sluggishness, extreme confusion, respiratory arrest, hindered respiration, unconsciousness, cardiac arrest, coma, or worse, death.
It is crucial to note that an estimated one in 10 individuals who overdose on barbiturates or a combination of barbiturate and other substances will die due to lung or heart problems. Likewise, withdrawal and detox in dependent people could present potentially fatal complications and must be monitored closely by medical professionals. So if you or someone close to you is dependent on barbiturates, get professional help as soon as possible.
