Barbiturates Barbiturates are odorless, white powders derived from barbituric acid and packaged in capsule or tablet form. They come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. The first barbiturate, Barbital, was developed in 1903 and considered relatively safe. Today, barbiturates are considered the most potentially lethal of the CNS depressants. Other street names include Barbs, Barbies, Downers, Goofballs, Red Birds, Seccies, Rebbies and Phennies.
Barbiturates are water-soluble, and can be taken orally, intravenously or in suppository form.
Of the approximately 2500 barbiturates, only 50 are approved for medical use and only 12 are widely used at all. Barbiturates are effective in treating sleep disorders, anxiety, tension, high blood pressure and seizures. Barbiturates slow heart and breathing rates, lower blood pressure, cause confusion and reduce awareness. In small doses, barbiturates relax muscles, produce mild euphoria and lethargy, and reduce anxiety. In larger doses, barbiturates may induce sleep, increase intense emotions, and create hostility, depression and anxiety.