Also known as barbs, downers, and names related to colours and trade names e.g. blues, reds, sekkies etc.

Barbiturates are used medically to calm people down and as sleeping pills. Most barbiturates come in powdered form and are sold in coloured capsules. They are usually taken by mouth, occasionally with alcohol, although some users inject the powder inside the capsule.

Barbiturates depress the central nervous system in the same way as alcohol and the effects will last for three to six hours, depending on the dose. Larger doses can make the user clumsy, which can lead to accidents. Happiness, misery and mental confusion are all possible as a result of use.

Large doses can produce unconsciousness and eventually breathing failure and death. Death from overdose is a real danger as the amount which can cause an overdose is very near the normal dose, and gets progressively narrower with use, as users develop tolerance. The chances of an overdose occurring are far greater if alcohol is taken at the same time.

Long-term users are likely to develop a tolerance to and dependence on barbiturates. The dependence is both physical and mental. The effects of withdrawing from a high dose can include irritability, nervousness, sleeplessness, faintness, sickness, twitching, delirium and convulsions. Sudden withdrawal from high doses of barbiturates can result in death. The risks associated with barbiturate use are increased if the drug is injected. Infections due to drug injecting and a build–up of undissolved tablet in the skin tissue may occur. Injecting sedatives is possibly the most dangerous form of drug use.

Heavy users are especially liable to bronchitis and pneumonia (because the cough reflex is suppressed), hypothermia (because the peripheral blood vessels dilate, but the drug blocks normal responses to cold). Prolonged regular use of barbiturates in the later stages of pregnancy can result in withdrawal symptoms in new–born babies.

Barbiturates are Prescription Only drugs under the Medicines Act (1968). This means they can only be sold from a pharmacy in accordance with a doctor's prescription. Barbiturates are also controlled as class B drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971). Doctors can still prescribe them and patients take them but unauthorised possession or supply is an offence.