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now largely been replaced by benzodiazepines in routine medical practice mainly because benzodiazepines are significantly less dangerous in overdose.