Definition

Noun: A barbiturate is a type of organic chemical compound (a salt or ester of barbituric acid) that depresses the central nervous system. It was historically used as a sedative or hypnotic drug. Its powerful sleep-inducing effect means an overdose can be dangerous or fatal.

Usage

Barbiturates are used medically to induce sleep, reduce anxiety, or prevent seizures. They are controlled substances due to their high potential for dependence and the risk of fatal overdose, especially when mixed with alcohol.

Examples

• The doctor prescribed a barbiturate to help the patient with severe insomnia.
• Abuse of barbiturates can lead to addiction and respiratory failure.
• Modern medicine has largely replaced barbiturates with safer drugs for treating anxiety.

Advanced Usage

• "Barbiturate poisoning": Refers to the toxic, often life-threatening condition resulting from an excessive dose.
• In a legal/forensic context: "The autopsy revealed a lethal level of barbiturate in her system."

Variants and Related Words

• Barbituric acid (n): The parent chemical compound from which barbiturates are derived.
• Barbiturate can function as an adjective in compound terms (e.g., ).

Synonyms

• Sedative
• Hypnotic
• Depressant (specifically, a central nervous system depressant)

Antonyms

• Stimulant
• Analeptic

Notes

Barbiturates are now less common in therapeutic use. The term is most frequently encountered in historical, toxicological, or substance abuse contexts.

Noun

1. organic compound having powerful soporific effect; overdose can be fatal