Overview
Barbitutares are a class of nervous system depressants that have a sedative-hypnotic effect inducing relaxation and drowsiness. They were commonly used in the past to address anxiety disorders and insomnia but have since been replaced with safer alternatives like benzodiazepines. Barbiturates are considered to have a high risk of addiction, severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly, and overdose. Phenobarbital is the example that’s usually most familiar to people as a medication to address seizures. Pentobarbital is sometimes used in veterinary medicine.