Encyclopedia of Psychopharmacology

2015 Edition
| Editors: Ian P. Stolerman, Lawrence H. Price

Barbital

Reference work entry
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-36172-2_200871

Synonyms

Barbitone

Definition

Barbital was the first barbiturate to be developed and is considered a prototype. It is a sedative and hypnotic and was used as a sleeping aid and anxiolytic, although now largely replaced by nonbarbiturate agents. Due to its slow onset of action, fatal overdosing is a risk. Prolonged usage of barbital, like other barbiturates, results in tolerance, abuse, dependence, and withdrawal.

Cross-References

Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2015