Poisons by Barbiturates
The barbiturates include many drugs used as sedatives. These are commonly kept in a medicine cupboard or in dresser drawers. The usual victim is one who takes the medicine out of curiosity. Barbiturates are often taken by depressed. persons and with suicidal intent.
An overdose of one of the barbiturates depresses the nervous system (causing stupor or unconsciousness) and causes a slowing of breathing, a fall in blood pressure, and a final state of shock. Before these symptoms of mental and physical depression set in, however, there is often a short period of excitement during which the patient may act intoxicated .
WHAT TO DO
If the victim is still conscious, follow PROCEDURE E on this post. If the victim is already in a stupor, forced vomiting is not recommended. First-aid measures while waiting for the doctor or for transportation to the hospital include artificial respiration and the administration of oxygen, if possible.
