BARBITURATES (BAR)
Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants. They are used therapeutically as sedatives, hypnotics, and anticonvulsants. Barbiturates are almost always taken orally as capsules or tablets. The effects resemble those of intoxication with alcohol. Chronic use of barbiturates leads to tolerance and physical  dependence. Short acting Barbiturates taken at 400 mg/day for 2-3 months produces a clinically significant degree of physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms experienced during periods of drug abstinence can be severe enough to cause death. Only a small amount (less than 5%) of most Barbiturates are excreted unaltered in the urine. The approximate detection time limits for Barbiturates are: Short acting (e.g. Secobarbital) 100 mg PO (oral) 4.5 days Long acting (e.g. Phenobarbital) 400 mg PO (oral) 7 days. The One Step Drug Screen Test Card yields a positive result when the Barbiturates in urine exceeds 300 ng/mL. The Barbiturates Drug Test is availalbe in the 12 panel drug screen card.  Download a PDF of commonly abused drugs (opens in new window) which includes periods of detection in a urine drug test and Intoxication Effects and Possible Health Consequences

Commercial Names
Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, Phenobarbital

Street Names
barbs, reds, red birds, phennies, tooies, yellows, yellow jackets

Intoxication Effects
reduced anxiety; feeling of well-being; lowered inhibitions; slowed pulse and breathing; lowered blood pressure; poor concentration/fatigue; confusion; impaired coordination, memory, judgment; addiction; respiratory depression and arrest; death

Possible Health Consequences
Sedation, drowsiness/depression, unusual excitement, fever, irritability, poor judgment, slurred speech, dizziness, life-threatening withdrawal