Kinds of Barbiturates

There are four kinds of barbiturates: "ultra short-acting," "short-acting," "intermediate-acting," and "long-acting" barbiturates.

• "Ultra short-acting" barbiturates include Methohexital (Brevital), Thiamylal (Surital), and Thiopental (Pentothal).
• "Short-acting" and "intermediate-acting" barbiturates include Pentobarbital (Nembutal) and Secobarbital (Amytal).
• "Long-acting" barbiturates include Phenobarbital (Luminal) and Mephobarbital (Mebaral).

How are they taken?

"Ultra short-acting" barbiturates are typically taken intravenously by needle.

In contrast, "short-acting," "intermediate-acting," and "long-acting" barbiturates are taken by mouth.

What are the effects?

• "Ultra short-acting" barbiturates produce anesthesia within one minute after intravenous use. 
• "Short-acting" and "intermediate-acting" barbiturates take effect within 15 to 40 minutes and last up to six hours. Used for sedation or to induce sleep.
• "Long-acting" barbiturates take effect in an hour and last up to 12 hours. Used primarily for daytime sedation and the treatment of seizure disorders or mild anxiety.
• The effects of all barbiturates resemble those of alcohol intoxication including:
  • Slurred speech. 
  • Loss of motor coordination.
  • Impaired judgment.

What are the dangers?

• Physical dependence (aka: addiction) 
• Tolerance, which results in the need to take higher doses to get the same effect. These higher doses could be deadly and lead to an overdose. 
• Withdrawal from the use of depressants can lead to seizures, delirium, and death.

Are they addictive?

Addiction rarely occurs among people who use a pain reliever, CNS depressant, or stimulant as prescribed. However, inappropriate use of prescription drugs can lead to addiction in some cases.

Last Reviewed: October 2013