WHAT ARE BARBITURATES?
Barbiturates are depressants that produce a wide spectrum of central nervous system depression, from mild sedation to coma. They have also been used as sedatives, hypnotics, anaesthetics, and anticonvulsants. Barbiturates are classified as:
WHAT IS THEIR ORIGIN?
Barbiturates were first introduced for medical use in the 1900s, and today, few substances are in medical use.
WHAT ARE COMMON STREET NAMES?
Common street names include:
WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?
Barbiturates come in a variety of multicoloured pills and tablets. Users prefer short-acting and intermediate barbiturates such as Amytal® and Seconal®.
HOW ARE THEY ABUSED?
Barbiturates are abused by swallowing a pill or injecting a liquid form. Barbiturates are generally abused to reduce anxiety, decrease inhibitions, and treat the unwanted effects of illicit drugs. Barbiturates can be extremely dangerous because overdoses can occur easily and lead to death.
What is their effect on the mind?
Barbiturates cause:
WHAT IS THEIR EFFECT ON THE BODY?
Barbiturates slow down the central nervous system and cause sleepiness.
WHAT ARE THEIR OVERDOSE EFFECTS?
Effects of overdose include:
WHAT IS THEIR LEGAL STATUS IN GUYANA?
Barbiturates are Schedule II substances under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act, Cap. 10 10