n. addiction to drugs of the barbiturate group. Signs of intoxication include confusion, slurring of speech, yawning, sleepiness, loss of memory, loss of balance, and reduction in muscular reflexes. Withdrawal of the drugs must be undertaken slowly, over 1–3 weeks, to avoid the withdrawal symptoms of tremors and convulsions, which can prove fatal.
n. any of a group of drugs, derived from barbituric acid, that depress activity of the central nervous system and were formerly widely used as sedatives and hypnotics. They are classified into three groups according to their duration of action – short, intermediate, and long. Because they produce *tolerance and psychological and physical *dependence, have serious toxic side-effects (see barbiturism), and can be fatal following large overdosage, barbiturates have been largely replaced in clinical use by safer drugs. The main exception is the very short-acting drug *thiopental, which is used to induce anaesthesia. See also amobarbital; butobarbital; phenobarbital.... barbiturate
(butobarbitone) n. an intermediate-acting *barbiturate, taken for the treatment of severe insomnia that has not responded to other drugs. Prolonged administration may lead to *dependence and its use with alcohol should be avoided; overdosage has serious effects (see barbiturism).... butobarbital
Health Encyclopedia