Barbiturates are known to be what type of drugs?

Barbiturates are classified as central nervous system depressants due to their effects on the brain and body. These drugs act by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which leads to sedation, relaxation, and decreased anxiety levels. This depressant action can lead to significant reductions in neural activity, which results in their use for treating various conditions like anxiety or as a sleep aid. Furthermore, their potential for addiction and overdose is primarily due to their depressant properties, making it crucial for anyone engaging with these substances to understand their risks and effects on the central nervous system.

In contrast, stimulants are substances that increase activity in the nervous system, hallucinogens alter perception and cognition, and antidepressants are used to treat mood disorders by balancing chemicals in the brain. This is why barbiturates distinctly fit into the category of central nervous system depressants.