Last Edited: February 20, 2020
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and certified by an addiction professional.
Barbiturates are prescription drugs known as sedative-hypnotics (CNS depressants also called “tranquilizers”). They have been used to treat seizures and panic, as well as for anesthesia before surgery. In recent years, they have been replaced (for the same function) by Benzodiazepenes, which have been deemed safer tranquilizers. For more information, visit the Barbiturates page.