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History and Derivation
- Barbituric acid
- Von bayer - 1864
- Barbital - 1903
- Phenobarbital - 1912
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Classes
- Dependent on duration of action
- Long
- Intermediate
- Short
- Ultra-short
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Medical uses
- Sleep induction
- Anticonvulsants
- Anaesthetics
- Sedatives
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Anxiolytics
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Illicit use
- Downers and goofballs
- Effects similar to alcohol
- Often used with stimulants or opiates
- Rapid tolerance
- Severe withdrawal
- Low safety margin - respiratory depression
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