Barbiturates are a class of depressant drugs that are chemically derived from barbituric acid. They are effective when used medically as anxiolytics, hypnotics, and anticonvulsants, but have physical and psychological addiction potential as well as overdose potential among other possible adverse effects.
Diazepam has similar sedative and hypnotic effects as barbiturates but, unlike the older drugs, diazepam is a more effective anxiolytic, it is much less likely to result in lethal overdose, and it is said to have a lower potential for abuse and dependence.
The primary difference between the two is that benzodiazepines do not stimulate the GABA receptor directly, they simply make GABA receptors more efficient. Benzodiazepines still produce a calming effect but don't have as depressive an effect on the central nervous system as barbiturates do.
Although widely used in the middle of the 20th century, present-day barbiturate use is uncommon. Some barbiturates are still made and sometimes prescribed for certain medical conditions. However, most barbiturate use has been replaced by the development of newer, safer, alternative drugs.
The known: Barbiturates are no longer routinely prescribed in Australia because of the considerable risks of dependence and toxicity.
What are Barbiturates? Depressant drug used to help sleep, relieve anxiety, muscle spasms, and prevent seizures. Prescribed names: Fiorina®, Pentothal®, Seconal®, or Nembutal®.
Common benzodiazepines include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), temazepam (Restoril), and clonazepam (Klonopin). Common barbiturates include secobarbital (Seconal); butalbital, aspirin, and caffeine (Fiorinal); thiopental (Pentothal); and pentobarbital (Nembutal).
Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorder (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks). Alprazolam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines.
There are four kinds of barbiturates: "ultra short-acting," "short-acting," "intermediate-acting," and "long-acting" barbiturates.
Temazepam. Temazepam 10mg is approximately equivalent to diazepam 5mg. Temazepam is used short-term for the treatment of insomnia, and as pre-medication before minor surgical and investigative procedures.
By the end of the 1960s, Valium was the top-selling psychotropic drug in the country. In the '70s, it became the most widely prescribed drug of any kind.
What Is the Strongest Benzodiazepine for Sleep? Nitrazepam, loprazolam, and lormetazepam are the strongest and more effective benzos that can work as sleeping pills to treat insomnia. Some drugs prescribed for anxiety can help patients sleep better if they are mandated to take them at night.
Barbiturates are prescription sedatives or “sleeping pills” and benzodiazepines are prescription tranquilizers. Both act as central nervous system depressants.
Is Seroquel a barbiturate? No. Seroquel is an antipsychotic whereas barbiturates are a class of organic compounds used as hypnotics that produce sleep or as sedatives to produce soothing effects. Barbiturates are also used as an adjunct while giving anesthesia.
Barbiturates are available under the following different brand names: amobarbital (Amytal), secobarbital (Seconal), butabarbital (Butisol), pentobarbital (Nembutal), belladonna and phenobarbital (Donnatal), butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine (Esgic, Fioricet), and butalbital/aspirin/caffeine (Fiorinal Ascomp, Fortabs).
Alprazolam – indications for use
The approved indications for alprazolam, as listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, are: anxiety – short-term symptomatic treatment of anxiety, including treatment of anxious patients with some symptoms of depression.
Alprazolam is a prescription medicine that's used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorder. It's in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines and works by lessening abnormal excitement in the brain.
What is Ritalin? Ritalin, a trade name for the prescription drug methylphenidate, is a central nervous system stimulant. (Its effects are similar to, but more potent than, caffeine and less potent than amphetamine.)
Examples of barbiturates include Nembutal, Amytal and Seconal. Well-known benzodiazepine sedatives include Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Restoril, Halcion and Librium.
The most commonly used are amobarbital (Amytal), pentobarbital (Nembutal), and secobarbital (Seconal). A combination of amobarbital and secobarbital (called Tuinal) is also highly used. Short-acting and intermediate-acting barbiturates are usually prescribed as sedatives and sleeping pills.
Veronal, Valium and Serotonin are examples of barbiturates or sleep-inducing drugs.
Methaqualone, or brand name Quaalude, is a central nervous system depressant that acts as a sedative and hypnotic. Hypnotics are drugs that induce sleep. Methaqualone's sedative quality was first noted in the 1950s and researchers found it could fight malaria, but it wasn't patented until 1962.
Notable cases
Others who have died as a result of barbiturate overdose include Pier Angeli, Brian Epstein, Judy Garland, Jimi Hendrix, Inger Stevens, Dinah Washington, Ellen Wilkinson, and Alan Wilson; in some cases these have been speculated to be suicides as well.
Phenobarbital. Phenobarbital is one of the most common barbiturate drugs that are still in use today and is a prescription medication mainly used to treat and prevent symptoms of seizures, sedation, insomnia, and status epilepticus.