Barbituates are a group of medications that have a sedative (depressant) effect on the CNS (Central Nervous System). They have been around since the 1860s. If abused, they have great potential for addiction, both physically and psychologically. Some are used as hypnotics (phenobarbital, in the treatment of epilepsy), anticonvulsants, and anxiolytics (antianxiety meds). They have been slowly replaced over the years with antianxiety meds because of overdoses. Some of the more common barbituates are: Butalbital, secobarbital, allobarbital, cyclobarbital.
