Which class of drug is considered less safe and is often used in suicide attempts?

Barbiturates are considered less safe compared to other classes of drugs due to their narrow therapeutic index, which means the difference between an effective dose and a potentially lethal dose is minimal. This characteristic makes them particularly dangerous in overdose situations. Historically, barbiturates were commonly prescribed for anxiety, sleep disorders, and seizure control. However, their use has declined significantly with the advent of safer alternatives such as benzodiazepines, which have a wider margin of safety.

In the context of suicide attempts, barbiturates can lead to severe respiratory depression and loss of consciousness if taken in high doses, increasing the risk associated with their use. Therefore, their potential for misuse and the seriousness of overdose situations has led to greater concern about the safety of this class of drugs.

Other classes, such as sedatives and antidepressants, while they may also pose risks, especially with certain types or in specific contexts, do not carry the same level of acute danger associated with overdosing as barbiturates do. This distinguishes barbiturates as a particularly hazardous option when evaluating drugs in terms of safety and the potential for suicide attempts.