Final answer:
Barbiturates are used to treat both sleeping problems and epilepsy due to their sedative, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant properties. They have been partially replaced by benzodiazepines for lower addiction and overdose risks. The correct answer to the multiple-choice question is C. Both A & B.
Step-by-step explanation:
Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants that have historically been used to treat a variety of conditions due to their sedative, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant properties. Initially, they were used to replace more harmful substances like opiates and alcohol for inducing sleep. Barbiturates like phenobarbital and pentobarbital have been employed in the treatment of epilepsy, acute migraines, cluster headaches, and even in more somber uses like euthanasia and capital punishment. However, they come with a risk of physical and psychological addiction, and the threat of overdose is significant, particularly when combined with other CNS depressants such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.
Despite the risks associated with barbiturates, they have been predominant in the treatment of various disorders due to their anticonvulsant activity and as anxiolytics and hypnotics. Their use has become less common in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia due to the development of benzodiazepines which have a lower risk of addiction and overdose. Nevertheless, barbiturates remain in use for specific medical procedures and conditions.