Barbiturates are an example of what type of drug?

Barbiturates are classified as CNS depressants, which means they slow down the functioning of the central nervous system. This category of drugs is primarily used for their sedative and anesthetic properties, which can help with anxiety, sleep disorders, or during surgical procedures. They work by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), leading to a calming effect on the brain.

The properties and effects of barbiturates make them distinctly different from other types of drugs, such as CNS stimulants, which increase brain activity and alertness, or antidepressants and antipsychotics, which target specific mental health issues rather than acting as broad depressants on the central nervous system.