Sedatives & Hypnotics
Glutethimide (Doriden)
Street names: Doriden, Gluteth, Loads (with codeine)
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- Barbiturate-like euphoric sedation
⚠Key risks
- 'Loads' (glutethimide + codeine) killed users in waves — extreme respiratory depression
- Unpredictable absorption
- Severe withdrawal
✚Overdose signs
- Slow breathing
- Coma
- Dilated pupils (unusual for a downer)
Category comparison — Sedatives & Hypnotics
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glutethimide (Doriden) | Schedule II | 'Loads' (glutethimide + codeine) killed users in waves — extreme respiratory depression; Unpredictable absorption | Rare relic |
| Zolpidem (Ambien/Stilnox) | Schedule IV | Sleep-walking, sleep-driving, hallucinations; Dependence and rebound insomnia | ~$2–$10 per 10 mg tablet |
| 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 |
| Carisoprodol (Soma) | Schedule IV | Converts to meprobamate (Miltown) — dependence; Popular 'Soma Coma' mix with opioids — deadly | ~$1–$8 per 350 mg tablet |
| Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) | Not scheduled | Overdose causes hallucinations, seizures, heart rhythm problems; Abuse usually in combination (potentiates opioids) | ~$1–$5 per 10 mg tablet |
| Pentobarbital (Nembutal) | Schedule II | Veterinary euthanasia drug — overdose is usually fatal; Narrow safety margin (barbiturate) | ~$30–$100+ per vial/capsule-equivalent |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does Glutethimide (Doriden) look like?
Tablets; notorious combined with codeine as 'loads' or 'pancakes and syrup'
What are the signs of a Glutethimide (Doriden) overdose?
Slow breathing; Coma; Dilated pupils (unusual for a downer) Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
'Loads' (glutethimide + codeine) killed users in waves — extreme respiratory depression Dependence can develop with regular use.