Barbiturates and benzodiazepines (benzos) are depressant medications that feature sedative effects. Because these drugs share some similarities, their differences are sometimes overlooked. Here we take a look at barbiturates vs. benzos: their differences and their similarities.
What Are Barbiturates?
Barbiturates are a class of sedative-hypnotic drugs that were developed for the treatment of seizure disorder, anxiety disorder, preoperative anxiety, and insomnia. As a chemical derivative of barbituric acid, barbiturates act as a depressant on the central nervous system. Brand name barbiturates include Seconal, Luminal, Nembutal, and Amytal.
Barbiturates slow the nerve activity in the central nervous system and induce sedative effects. The powerful sedative effects of barbiturates made these drugs more dangerous and difficult to manage. Therefore, in recent years, barbiturates are mostly used for the treatment of epilepsy, acute migraines, or in general anesthesia.
What are Benzos?
Benzos are also depressants within the sedative-hypnotic class of drugs, and are prescribed for individuals struggling with anxiety, muscle spasms, or sleep disorder. Benzos produce feelings of sedation, muscle relaxation, and calm. Brand names include Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Restoril, and Klonopin,
As a newer, safer alternative to barbiturates, doctors favor benzos for most conditions. However, it has been found that benzos are highly addictive, and can be very difficult to quit due to life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
What Is the Difference Between Barbiturates vs. Benzos?
The primary difference between barbiturates and benzos is the mechanism of action on the brain, with affects potency. Barbiturates bind to more GABA receptors than benzos do, which causes fewer nerve impulses to be produced. In contrast, benzos target GABA receptors more selectively.
Barbiturates are much more prone to unsafe dosing, which increases the risk of overdose death. For example, it would take 10x dose of barbiturates to cause a fatal outcome versus 100x dose of benzos.
Because both drugs cause mild euphoric effects and deep relaxation, barbiturates and benzos are illicitly abused recreationally. However, it is much more difficult to come by barbiturates on the gray market, as they are simply not as available.
Which Is Safer: Barbiturates or Benzos?
Between these two drugs, barbiturates are more addictive and lethal, making them the more dangerous of the two. It takes a shorter period to become addicted to barbiturates than benzos because they are more potent. It also takes less of the barbiturate to result in overdose.
In addition, barbiturates have more negative interactions with other substances. For instance, someone taking barbiturates would be advised not to take the drug if they are on birth control pills, due to the adverse interaction.
Neither drug should be combined with alcohol, allergy medications, or any other depressant due to sedative effects. Combining them with another depressant can cause loss of coordination, falls and injuries, or respiratory failure.
Side Effects of Barbiturates vs. Benzos
All drugs can cause side effects, and both these drugs interact with the body in ways that cause adverse effects. Note how similar the side effects are between the two drugs:
Side effects of barbiturates include:
- Prolonged drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Headache
- Loss of coordination
Side effects of benzos include:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Dry mouth
- Muscle weakness
- Impaired memory
- Dizziness
Signs of Benzo or Barbiturate Overdose
When someone has taken more of the benzo or barbiturate than the body can safely metabolize, it results in toxicity. An overdose involving a depressant is a medical emergency and must be treated quickly. Signs and symptoms of overdose include:
- Shallow breathing, or respiratory failure
- Drowsiness
- Mental confusion
- Altered level of consciousness
- Cognitive disruption
- Loss of physical coordination
- Staggering, can’t walk straight
- Low blood pressure
- Slurred speech
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Skin rash
- Blisters
- Faint pulse
- Kidney failure
- Heart failure
- Coma
Signs of Benzo or Barbiturate Addiction
Both of these drugs have a high potential for abuse and addiction. In terms of controlled substances, barbiturates have a Class II and benzos have a Class IV designation.
The signs of prescription pill addiction may begin to emerge as a person’s tolerance level increases. The higher tolerance causes people to increase the dose, which can lead to addiction. The signs of addiction for someone misusing these drugs include:
- Attempt to cut back or quit the drug but can’t
- Tolerance increases leading to higher doses
- Become obsessed with obtaining and using the drug
- Obtain the drug illicitly, such as by doctor shopping, stealing the drug, or buying pills online or on the street
- Lie about the pill abuse
- Drug use disrupts daily life, such as missing work, money problems, or relationship problems
- Keep taking the drug despite the negative consequences
- Experience legal problems related to the drug use
- Have withdrawal symptoms when the effects wear off
Benzo or Barbiturate Withdrawal
When someone realizes they have developed a drug problem with barbiturates or benzos, they may be tempted to quit the drug on their own. This is a dangerous route to take that could result in life-threatening withdrawal symptoms like seizures, coma, or suicide.
When a person is ready to break free of a depressant addiction they will need the support of a medically trained detox team. A tapering program is set up to help the individual slowly decrease the dosage. During the detox and withdrawal phase of recovery, every these professionals will provide ongoing medical interventions to help reduce discomfort.
Some of the withdrawal symptoms that commonly occur may include:
- Anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Restlessness
- Muscle spasm
- Tingling in arms and legs
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Blurred vision
- Twitching
- Foggy thinking
- Mood swings
- Panic
- Hallucinations
- Cognitive problems
- Suicidal thoughts
Rehab for Barbiturate or Benzo Addiction
If you or a loved one has developed a problem with either of these drugs, a comprehensive rehab program can offer support. A residential treatment center provides the structure, therapy, and support to help an individual overcome dependence on these powerful depressants.
Treatment consists of a multi-faceted approach including:
- Individual therapy sessions
- Group therapy sessions
- Family therapy sessions
- Addiction education
- Nutrition and exercise
- Holistic methods
If you need treatment, whether for barbiturate vs. benzo use disorder, there is help available and a bright future ahead. Reach out today.
Pacific Bay Recovery Offers Addiction Recovery Services for Benzos or Barbiturate Dependency
Pacific Bay Recovery is a trusted leader in the addiction recovery landscape that will guide you safely through detox and rehab. To learn more about our program, and to get a free insurance check, please reach out today at (619) 350-8220.
