barbiturate

Barbiturates are a class of central nervous system depressant drugs, derived from barbituric acid, used medically as sedatives, hypnotics (sleep aids), and anticonvulsants (for seizures). Known for slowing brain activity, they relieve anxiety and muscle spasms but carry a high risk for addiction, tolerance, and fatal overdose, leading to their replacement by safer drugs like benzodiazepines for many uses. Common examples include Phenobarbital, Pentobarbital (Nembutal), and Secobarbital (Seconal)