Brain and mood
Barbiturates
Used for
Seizures; tension headaches (butalbital)
How it works
Strongly boost GABA, the brain's calming signal. Mostly replaced by safer drugs.
Watch for
Easy to overdose. Most are controlled substances.
- Name clue
- -barbital
- Examples
- phenobarbital
- butalbital (in Fioricet)
More in brain and mood
- SSRIsDepression, anxiety
- SNRIsDepression, anxiety, nerve pain
- Tricyclic antidepressantsNerve pain, migraine prevention; older depression drugs
- Atypical antidepressantsDepression; some for quitting smoking or sleep
- BenzodiazepinesAnxiety, panic, seizures, alcohol withdrawal
- Sleep aids ("Z-drugs")Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)
- AnticonvulsantsSeizures; some for nerve pain, migraine or mood
- Mood stabilizersBipolar disorder
- Atypical antipsychoticsSchizophrenia, bipolar disorder
- CNS stimulantsADHD, narcolepsy
A study and reference aid. Follow the product labeling and your pharmacist for anything about a patient's medicine.
Studying for the PTCE?
Drug classes are a big part of the Medications domain. Gutta's lessons and practice questions cover them, with an explanation for every answer.
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