What Are Downers?
Barbiturates are a group of drugs with a dose-dependent CNS depressant effect ranging from sedation to general anesthesia. They belong to a group of medicines called sedative-hypnotics which are indicated for induction of sedation, sleep, and anxiety-reducing effects. If you know someone who is dependent on barbiturates, you may hear them referred to as “downers,” “downer drugs,” or “barbs.”
They exert their effect by binding to GABA receptors and increasing the active channel duration. GABA is a neurotransmitter that has a mood-boosting and calming effect hence reducing anxiety. They also reduce Glutamate signaling pathways, as high glutamate levels cause restlessness and insomnia.
Some other systemic effects of Barbiturates include:
- Decreasing the heart rate
- Slow breathing rate
- Reduced blood pressure
- Muscle relaxant effect
Types of Barbiturates
Among the many types of barbiturates, the main difference is their duration of action. The mode of administration also varies. They can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or taken orally in pill form.
- Ultra-short (15 minutes –3 hours) – Thiopental and Methohexital. They are indicated for Status epilepticus, general anesthesia, and reduction of Raised intracranial pressure.
- Short-acting(3-6hours) – Phenobarbital and secobarbital. Indicated for short-term treatment of insomnia, anxiety, and headache
- Intermediate-acting (6-12 hours) – Amobarbital and Butalbital. Indications are same as short-acting.
- Long-acting (12-24hours) – Phenobarbital and primidone are indicated for generalized onset and focal onset seizures, status epilepticus, neonatal seizures, pre-anesthetic sedation, ethanol withdrawal, and gilbert syndrome for phenobarbital and generalized onset and focal seizures for primidone.
Downer drugs also have other street names, including; blue devils, downers, yellow jackets, purple hearts, goof balls, red devils, pink ladies, double trouble, gorilla pills, red birds, and rainbows.
Symptoms of Downer Drug Abuse
Barbiturates are among the FDA-controlled substances; you can only obtain them via a prescription from a doctor. Barbiturates have been abused to reduce anxiety and unwanted effects of stimulating drugs such as Cocaine and even suicide attempts.
This group of drugs has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning the difference between a dose causing sedation and a dose causing death is very small.
Signs of abuse include:
- Small doses lead to drowsiness, intoxication, and disinhibition
- Higher doses lead to staggering, slurred speech and confusion
- Extremely high doses lead to coma and possibly death
Downer withdrawal symptoms include:
- Delirium
- Severe hypotension
- Seizures
- High temperature
- hallucinations
If you’re battling an addiction to downers and need help to overcome your dependency, you’ve come to the right place. Our addiction treatment professionals are ready to help you understand the depths of your addiction and find the right path to recovery. Our men’s rehab offers a safe place to get the tools for a life free from drug or alcohol addiction.
