If very high doses are taken, death can result. Long-term use of high doses of a barbiturate can cause anemia, impairment of liver function, and chronic intoxication. The information presented earlier on tranquillizers includes the side effects of the benzodiazepine drugs. When compared with the benzodiazepine sleeping pills, a usual dose of a barbiturate taken to help induce sleep probably causes more hangover the next day. Driving or flying skills can be impaired for as long as 10 to 22 hours.
Barbiturates can also cause excitement, pain, and allergic reactions.
As well as adding to the effects of other depressants such as alcohol, they interact with various drugs usually speeding up the breakdown of these drugs by the body. Tolerance and dependence As for the benzodiazepine tranquillizers and sleeping pills, tolerance and physical and psychological dependence can develop to the barbiturates. When doses are increased to overcome tolerance and obtain the desired effects, death from overdose can result. When chronic high doses of barbiturates are suddenly stopped, serious withdrawal and even death can result. Symptoms range from restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, and irritability to delirium and convulsions in severe cases.