Sedatives & Hypnotics
Corvalol / Valocordin (Phenobarbital Drops)
Street names: Corvalol, Valocordin, Phenobarbital drops, The post-Soviet sedative
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- Sedative, 'heart-calm' traditional use across Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan; the phenobarbital gives real barbiturate sedation
⚠Key risks
- PHENOBARBITAL IS A BARBITURATE — dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal seizures; 'harmless grandma drops' are not
- Alcohol content + sedative = compounded CNS depression
- OTC-by-tradition in CIS; Western tourists carry bottles home into controlled-substance territory
- Bromide load (bromism) with chronic use — psychiatric symptoms
✚Overdose signs
- Deep sedation
- Slow breathing
- Barbiturate withdrawal: seizures 2–7 days after last dose
📋Quick facts
Also known asCorvalol, Valocordin, Phenobarbital drops, The post-Soviet sedative
CategorySedatives & Hypnotics
Schedule / classContains phenobarbital — controlled component in some countries; OTC in CIS pharmacies
AppearanceAlcohol-based drops (20–25% ethanol + phenobarbital + bromoisovalerate); the iconic brown bottle of the post-Soviet medicine cabinet
Street price$2–$6 per bottle CIS pharmacies
Legal statusOTC CIS; phenobarbital content makes import controlled in US/EU; 'traditional medicine' status debated
Last updated2026-09-18
Sources: EMCDDA, CIS pharmacopeia
Category comparison — Sedatives & Hypnotics
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corvalol / Valocordin (Phenobarbital Drops) | Contains phenobarbital — controlled component in some countries; OTC in CIS pharmacies | PHENOBARBITAL IS A BARBITURATE — dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal seizures; 'harmless grandma drops' are not; Alcohol content + sedative = compounded CNS depression | $2–$6 per bottle CIS pharmacies |
| Secobarbital (Seconal) | Schedule II | Barbiturates: tiny margin between dose and death; Fatal in overdose, brutal withdrawal (seizures) — replaced by benzos in medicine | ~$15–$40 per capsule where diverted |
| Pentobarbital (Nembutal) | Schedule II | Veterinary euthanasia drug — overdose is usually fatal; Narrow safety margin (barbiturate) | ~$30–$100+ per vial/capsule-equivalent |
| Alcohol (Ethanol) | Legal adult product worldwide; sale to minors banned | THE most harmful drug in most countries by total harm scores: liver disease (cirrhosis), cancer (7 types — breast, colon, liver...); Dependence: ~10-15% of regular heavy drinkers; withdrawal can KILL (seizures, delirium tremens — deadlier than heroin withdrawal) | ~$1–$3 per standard drink retail |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does Corvalol / Valocordin (Phenobarbital Drops) look like?
Alcohol-based drops (20–25% ethanol + phenobarbital + bromoisovalerate); the iconic brown bottle of the post-Soviet medicine cabinet
What are the signs of a Corvalol / Valocordin (Phenobarbital Drops) overdose?
Deep sedation; Slow breathing; Barbiturate withdrawal: seizures 2–7 days after last dose Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
PHENOBARBITAL IS A BARBITURATE — dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal seizures; 'harmless grandma drops' are not Dependence can develop with regular use.
🔗Sources & further reading
Facts on this page are compiled from these primary sources. External links open in a new tab.