Drug Dependence Due to the Use of Barbiturates: The State of the Art

Abstract

Background: currently, the relevance of the formation of drug dependence on barbiturates, despite a significant decrease in the cases of their prescription, remains prevalent. The breadth of the therapeutic effects of barbiturates determines their use in various branches of medicine, despite the risk of developing dependence and withdrawal syndrome, even in the case of taking therapeutic doses. In addition, the non-drug use of barbiturates in order to achieve a narcotic effect remains relevant.The aim of review: to analyze the data of scientific publications on specific features of the formation of barbituric dependence in various categories of patients, to determine the groups at greatest risk and the possibilities of minimizing the consequences of barbiturate use.Materials and methods: based on the analysis of databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, RSCI, etc.), the current concepts of mechanism of action of barbiturates and the ways of development of mental and physical dependence were analyzed. The factors provoking the emergence of drug dependence are determined.Results: the development of drug dependence when taking barbiturates develops rapidly and is dose-dependent. The features of the formation of barbituric dependence and the development of tolerance are characterized. The risk of developing dependence in the therapeutic use of barbiturates is especially high in the elderly.Conclusions: to prevent and possibly reduce the risk of drug dependence, the main areas of research are proposed, namely, the development of more effective and safe drugs analogs of barbituric acid, as well as the correction of the features of the use of barbituric acid drugs (frequency, dosage, dosage form, etc.).