Final answer:
Barbiturates can be classified based on usage, medical and non-medical use, and the speed of effects. They are CNS depressants used for anxiety and sleep, but have risks of addiction and overdose. Benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines are now preferred due to lower risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Barbiturates can be sub-classified into groups based upon:
- how they are used
- their medical and non-medical use
- the speed of the onset and duration of the effects
Barbiturates are CNS depressants used as anxiolytics, hypnotics, and anticonvulsants. They have a potential for addiction, overdose, and other adverse effects. Benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines have largely replaced barbiturates in medical practice due to their lower risk of addiction and overdose. However, barbiturates are still used for purposes such as general anesthesia, epilepsy, and euthanasia.