Barbiturates - Facts and Statistics

Home < Drug Info < Barbiturates

Street Names / Slang Terms
Barbs, Block Busters, Christmas Trees, Goof Balls, Pinks, Red Devils, Reds & Blues, Yellow Jackets

What are they ?
Barbiturates are prescription sedatives—depressants that affect the central nervous system. Depressants act as “downers,” slowing down both the mind and body. There are over 2,000 known barbiturates.

   Commonly abused barbiturates include:
       • amobarbital (Amytal)
       • pentobarbital (Nembutal)
       • secobarbital (Seconal)

What do they look like ?
multi-colored tablets and capsules

How are they used ?
Usually swallowed or injected. As similar effects are produced, they are often abused as a substitute for alcohol. People use barbiturates to get a sense of euphoria and relaxation. However, it is illegal to take barbiturates without a doctor’s prescription and supervision. Often they are used to counteract the unpleasant effects of illicit stimulants or to reduce anxiety. On the street, they are often used in combination with stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and crystal meth.

Short Term Effects
Slurred speech, shallow breathing, sluggishness, fatigue, disorientation, lack of coordination, dilated pupils. Barbiturates mimic alcohol intoxication causing mild euphoria, disinhibition, relief of anxiety and sleepiness. Higher doses cause impairment of memory, judgment and coordination, irritability, paranoid and suicidal ideation.

Long Term Effects
Tolerance develops quickly and larger doses are then needed to produce the same effect, increasing the danger of an overdose. In an overdose (or when taken with other drugs like alcohol) death is due to depression of the respiratory center in the brain.

Long-term effects include chronic tiredness, general uncoordination, vision problems, dizziness, slowed reflexes and response, sexual dysfunction, menstrual irregularities, and breathing disorders.

Withdrawal symptoms included tremors, elevated blood pressure and pulse, sweating, and possible seizures.

Sources:: Center for Alcohol & Drug Education
Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)