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Line 26: − ==Barbiturates and the central nervous system== − Barbiturates increase the flow of chloride ions across the neuronal membrane causing hyperpolarization (a more negative resting membrane potential). This occurs by binding the [[ionotropic receptor]] for the endogenous neurotransmitter known as gamma-amino-butyric-acid or ''[[GABA]]'' (Principally the GABAa isoform of the receptor). The increased chloride ion flow reduces the chance that an excitatory action potential will be generated. This is the way in which barbiturates act as depressants of the central nervous system and are effective sedatives, anxiolytics, and anticonvulsants.
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Barbiturates have been used extensively in the past as [[sedative]]s. A new group of drugs called "benzodiazepines" has replaced many of the barbiturates. However, barbiturates are still used to treat some types of [[epilepsy]].
Barbiturates have been used extensively in the past as [[sedative]]s. A new group of drugs called "benzodiazepines" has replaced many of the barbiturates. However, barbiturates are still used to treat some types of [[epilepsy]].
==Pharmacology==
Barbiturates increase the flow of chloride ions across the neuronal membrane causing hyperpolarization (a more negative resting membrane potential). This occurs by binding the [[ionotropic receptor]] for the endogenous neurotransmitter known as gamma-amino-butyric-acid or ''[[GABA]]'' (Principally the GABAa isoform of the receptor). The increased chloride ion flow reduces the chance that an excitatory action potential will be generated. This is the way in which barbiturates act as depressants of the central nervous system and are effective sedatives, anxiolytics, and anticonvulsants.
==Effects==
==Effects==
* [[hallucination]]s
* [[hallucination]]s
==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* The barbiturate called [[sodium pentothal]] is known as ''truth serum.'' In heavy doses, it is used for lethal injections. [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/09/30/BAGK7LFNST1.DTL]
* The barbiturate called [[sodium pentothal]] is known as ''truth serum.'' In heavy doses, it is used for lethal injections. [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/09/30/BAGK7LFNST1.DTL]
[[Category:Drugs]]
[[Category:Drugs]]