Barbiturates ABOUT: These drugs act to depress the central nervous system and are often called sleeping pills. They are derived from barbituric acid (C4H4N2O3), a combination of urea and malonic acid. Depressants act as downers, and can slow the body and mind down. There are over 2000 known barbiturates. They are some of the most addictive drugs. They are often a substitute for alcohol (similar affects are produced). People use barbiturates to get …showed first 75 words of 449 total…

…showed last 75 words of 449 total…drugs bind to sodium channels on neurons and prevent the flow of sodium ions. Because sodium ions cannot flow across the neuronal membrane, action potentials, cannot be produced. Barbiturates may also increase the flow of chloride ions across the neuronal membrane. This may occur through binding to the receptor for the neurotransmitter called GABA. The effect of increased chloride ion flow would be to reduce the chance of an action potential being generated. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**