Sedatives & Hypnotics
Phenobarbital
Street names: Phenobarb, Luminal, Barbs
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- Deep sedation
- Anti-seizure
- Drowsy euphoria at high doses
⚠Key risks
- Classic overdose drug — narrow gap between high and fatal
- Induces liver enzymes, wrecking other medications
- Brutal, sometimes fatal withdrawal
✚Overdose signs
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Cold skin, low blood pressure
- Coma
Category comparison — Sedatives & Hypnotics
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phenobarbital | Schedule IV | Classic overdose drug — narrow gap between high and fatal; Induces liver enzymes, wrecking other medications | ~$1–$3 per tablet diverted |
| 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 Phenobarbital look like?
Tablets and elixir; old-school barbiturate still prescribed for seizures
What are the signs of a Phenobarbital overdose?
Slow, shallow breathing; Cold skin, low blood pressure; Coma Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
Classic overdose drug — narrow gap between high and fatal Dependence can develop with regular use.