Short for barbiturates.
Barbiturates are drugs that act as central nervous system
depressants, and, by virtue of this, they produce a wide spectrum of effects, from mild sedation to total anesthesia. They are also effective as anxiolytics, hypnotics and as anticonvulsants. They have addiction potential, both physical and
psychological. Barbiturates have now largely been replaced by benzodiazepines in routine medical practice mainly because benzodiazepines are
significantly less dangerous in overdose.