Barbiturates are a class of drugs that act as central nervous system depressants. They were commonly used in the past to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Barbiturates work by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA, which helps to calm brain activity. Due to their potential for addiction and overdose, the use of barbiturates has declined significantly. Safer alternatives, such as benzodiazepines, are now more frequently prescribed for similar conditions. Despite this, barbiturates are still used in some medical settings, such as for anesthesia or to manage certain types of seizures.