<p></p><p></p><p>Barbiturates (ending in “barbitol”) are a class
of drugs that were used extensively in the 1960s and 1970s as a treatment
for&nbsp;anxiety,&nbsp;insomnia, and
seizure disorders. Apart from a few specific indications, they are not commonly
prescribed these days, having been largely superseded by benzodiazepines.</p><p>Barbiturates are sedative drugs, which slow down the central nervous system in a similar way to alcohol. A small dose will make people feel relaxed, sociable and good-humoured. With larger doses hostility and anxiety are common effects and slurred speech, loss of co-ordination and difficulty staying awake may follow. Falling over and accidents become more likely. &nbsp;Injected into a vein barbiturates produce an almost immediate feeling of warmth and drowsiness.</p><p><br></p><p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="@@PLUGINFILE@@/barbituates.jpg" alt="Barbituates" width="318" height="239" style="font-size: 1rem;"></p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(55, 71, 79); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;; font-size: 1.286rem;">Effects</span><br></p>

<p>In barbituates, high
amplitude rhythmic 18 to 26 Hz activity is noted, initially frontally,
spreading with time to the entire cortex. With increased dose there is an
increase in slowing, with further increases the faster activity is decreased
and the slowing predominates, progressing to a decreased voltage and even a
recoverable iso-electric pattern, in <u>barbiturate coma</u>.</p><p>Here are some of the EEG reactions to barbituates:</p>

<p><!--[if !supportLists]-->-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<!--[endif]-->Low voltage recording</p>

<p><!--[if !supportLists]-->-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<!--[endif]-->Electro cerebal inactivity</p>

<p><!--[if !supportLists]-->-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<!--[endif]-->Higher amplitude beta 1 and 2 bandwidth</p>

<p><!--[if !supportLists]-->-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<!--[endif]-->Diffuse slowing</p><br><p></p>