Which medication is commonly used for controlling agitated patients and falls under the category of barbiturates?

The medication commonly used for controlling agitated patients that falls under the category of barbiturates is amobarbital. As a barbiturate, amobarbital acts as a central nervous system depressant. It enhances the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in promoting relaxation and sedation. This makes it effective in managing agitation and inducing calm in patients who may be experiencing significant distress or agitation.

In contrast, hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic primarily used for pain relief, rather than agitation. Diazepam and Xanax are both benzodiazepines, which, while they can also be used to manage anxiety and agitation, do not belong to the barbiturate class. Understanding these classifications helps clarify why amobarbital is the appropriate choice in this context.