Barbiturates are a class of central nervous system depressants that were used to treat insomnia anxiety in the first half of the 20th century. It also can be used to treat seizures and induce sedation. It’s derived from barbituric acid, which was first synthesized in the late 1800s.They became widely used in the early 1900s and were particularly popular in Hollywood. Today, movies are shot during periods of months or even years. But in the golden age of cinema, Hollywood churned out movies in a matter of weeks. Popular actors lived life in a whirlwind of long shoots and rehearsals.Plus, the competition was fierce, especially among young actresses. Actors and directors would take amphetamines to help make it through long hours, ensure an energetic performance, and help control weight. To combat drug-induced insomnia and anxiety, they were prescribed barbiturates, a habit that would stick with Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe.By the 1950s, people began to notice that barbiturates come with some serious adverse side effects, including dependence and accidental overdose. Benzodiazepines started to replace barbiturates, and by the 1970s, they were all but completely replaced. However, benzodiazepines come with some of the same risks. Today, barbiturates are still used as anticonvulsants and as a general anesthetic.Common Barbiturates Include:
Amobarbital (Amytal)
Primidone (Mysoline)
Methohexital (Brevital)
Secobarbital (Seconal)
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
Phenobarbital (Luminal)
Barbiturates are in the category of central nervous system depressants along with other sleep aids and alcohol. Barbiturates work in the brain in similarly to other depressants, and it primarily involves a neurotransmitter called gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). This naturally occurring chemical is responsible for inhibiting excitability in the nervous system. It helps you come down from stress and excitement when it’s time to rest and relax by binding to and activating GABA receptors. People with anxiety and sleep disorders may have emotional or chemical issues that cause a deficiency that makes GABA less effective.Depressants like barbiturates can increase the efficiency of GABA by binding to a different site on GABA receptors and increase the effect of GABA on the receptor. The result is a relaxed feeling, anti-anxiety, and hypnosis. At high doses or when mixed with other depressants, barbiturates can cause effects similar to drunkenness like euphoria, loss of coordination, drowsiness, loss of inhibitions, and loss of motor skills. Because of this effect, the drug is sometimes used recreationally.