Barbiturate Intoxication and Overdose
Alternate Names : Intoxication - Barbiturates
Definition
When barbiturates (a type of depressant drug which causes relaxation and sleepiness) are taken in relatively low doses, the clinical syndrome of intoxication is indistinguishable from that associated with alcohol intoxication.
However, excessive and prolonged dosages of barbiturate drugs, such as phenobarbital, may produce chronic symptoms including forgetfulness (memory loss), irritability, changes in alertness, and decreased interpersonal functioning. Barbiturates can also cause an acute overdose syndrome which is life-threatening.
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