Examples of barbiturates

Examples of legal barbiturates include:

• Amytal
• Imovane
• Luminal
• Nembutal
• Seconal
• Tuinal

Examples of illegal barbiturates include:

• Gamma Hydroxybutyrate; “GHB”

Slang

Legal barbiturates: Gorillas, downers, pink ladies, red devils, red dolls, yellow jackets, sleepers, barbs, barbies, blue bullets, bullets, purple hearts

Illegal barbiturates: Liquid E, Liquid X, Grievous Bodily Harm, Easy Lay and Scoop… (has over 80 known street names)

How it works

Barbiturates are injected or swallowed and deplete and calm the central nervous system. They provide a feeling of calm that is similar to the effect provided by alcohol.

Side effects

Side effects of legal barbiturates include:

• Relief of anxiety and tension
• Sleepiness
• Feelings of drunkenness and intoxication
• Slurred speech
• Loss of control over body movement (walking etc.)
• Memory impairment
• Dizziness or light-headedness

Side effects of GHB:

If GHB is ingested it produces the same effects as many other club drugs; that is, feelings of intoxication, euphoria, lowered inhibitions and hallucinations. In high doses GHB, can shut down the central nervous system and can cause amnesia, lowered heart rates, severe coma and many depressive effects.

Long term effects

• Chronic sleepiness
• Vision problems
• Brain clouding
• Slowed reflexes and response
• Menstrual difficulties
• Breathing problems
• Dizziness

Facts

• Barbiturates may act like a stimulant in high doses and actually increase anxiety and other behaviours.
• Tolerance levels develop very rapidly. After only one week of regular barbiturate use, an addiction could set in.
• If addicted, effects from sudden stoppage can cause withdrawal effects that include hallucinations, vomiting, disorientation, eating disorders, anxiety, twitching, and convulsions. Sudden withdrawal can be fatal.
• Alcohol and barbiturates are both processed through the same enzymes in the liver. If both are ingested at the same time, toxins can build up in the liver and lead to liver failure and death.
• Originally, GHB was intended to be used in small doses as a sleeping aid and was once sold in health food and fitness stores because of its supposed ability to stimulate muscle growth.
• GHB is colorless and odorless. Although it sometimes appears in pill or powder form it is most commonly found in clear liquid form. Because of these properties GHB is often slipped into drinks.
• In the United States, since 1994, emergency room cases of GHB use have increased from less than approximately 200 cases to approximately 5000 cases.
• GHB only remains in the system for approximately 12 hours after it is ingested.

Laws

Legal barbiturates are available by prescription only. It is not supposed to be available over the table or without a written prescription from your doctor.

Because of its harmful and sometimes deadly effects, GHB use is banned in Canada and across the United States and most parts of the world.

Where to go for help

For more information on barbiturates, please talk to your family doctor or your school counsellor. You can also check out the Health Canada website or the links below.

If you think someone may have given you GHB without your consent, please go to the emergency room immediately.

Links

Health Canada – Drug Product Database
Project GHB
Club Drugs
US Drug Enforcement Association – GHB
Project Respect – Yes Means Yes – Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault