Barbiturates

Barbiturates are sedative drugs which slow down to the nervous system and act similar to alcohol. Smaller doses will make the user feel friendly, relaxed and cheerful; however a larger dose of the drug can cause a lack of coordination as well as slurred speech.

There is a high risk of overdose as the lethal dose of barbiturates is relatively close to the 'normal' dose level. The risk is increased greatly if barbiturates are used in conjunction with other drugs that have similar effects, such as alcohol, heroin or tranquillisers. Injecting barbiturates intravenously will expedite the effects of the drug, which along with the usual dangers of injecting (HIV and Hepatitis) can also increase the risk of overdose. Regular use is very likely to result in the development of tolerance and dependence.

The drug can be swallowed as tablets as well as injected. Barbiturates were originally prescribed for anxiety and depression but are now only used for treating very serious insomnia in certain cases (due to concerns of accidental overdosing) and as such, mild tranquilisers are prescribed instead.

Because of their declining medical use and lack of illicit varieties the drug has seen a reduction in use in the last 25 years.

Sometimes mixed with crack cocaine but can increase the risk of an overdose. There have also been some isolated reports of use in the club scene by users of amphetamine and ecstasy to bring them down from the high.

Concateno can offer a test for barbiturates in oral fluid, hair and urine

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