Some barbiturates are potent anticonvulsants. Remember phenobarbital as a long acting anticonvulsant 3. Barbiturates are not analgesics. They do not block sensation until consciousness is lost. In fact they can increase sensivity to pain.
Barbiturates are potent respiratory depressants.
Respiratory failure is the most common cause of death from overdose of barbiturates. Euphoria B. Effects of barbiturates on the Liver 1. When used repeatedly, barbiturates are potent inducers of hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes. As such use of barbiturates is likely to perturb the pharmacokinetics of numerous other drugs. This can cause multiple drug interactions.