How is Barbiturates different from alcohol?

Answer 1

Barbituates are a class of drugs that has been mostly phased out in medicine. They were used as sedatives, for anti-anxiety, and as a anti-convulsants (still used for this today). According to the legal definition, all barbiturates are narcotics. If use the definition of narcotic as a substance that puts you to sleep well... pretty much all barbiturates are narcotics.

Bottom line: Barbiturates are a subclass of narcotics.

Answer 2

Barbiturates (such as pentobarbital, secobarbital, phenobarbital, etc.) are derivatives of barbituric acid, which is why they are called "barbiturates".

They bind strongly to the GABA receptors in the brain, inducing a calming, anti-anxiety, and sedative effect. They have a smaller therapeutic window (meaning the difference between an effective and toxic dose), making them much more dangerous than some of the more mild sedatives. They also have stronger addictive properties. When mixed with alcohol, they can be deadly.

Benzodiazepines (alprazolam [Xanax], diazepam [Valium], etc.) are a different class of chemical altogether. They are mainly used for anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) agents, but can also be used as sedatives. They, too, have habit-forming characteristics. However, they are less dangerous and habit-forming than barbiturates, and have a much larger therapeutic window. They also bind with the GABA receptors in the brain to induce this effect.

Antihistamines (diphenhydramine [Benadryl], doxylamine [Nyquil], etc.) are often used as sleep agents because they have anticholinergic side effects that cause sedation. However, over time, tolerance can develop to these effects, just like the above drug classes. Antihistamines that are sedatives bind to the H1 receptors for histamine as well, and also bind weakly to acetylcholine receptors.

Zolpidem (Ambien) binds to the GABA receptors, much like benzodiazepines, but it is actually a non-benzodiazepine muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant that is used as a sedative.