Which statement about barbiturates is true?

• A. They have no risk of dependency.
• B. Barbiturates are a type of sedative-hypnotic.
• C. They do not interact with MAOIs.
• D. They are not a type of sedative-hypnotic.

Answer: (B)

Barbiturates are a class of CNS depressants used for their sedative and hypnotic effects. They work by enhancing GABA’s inhibitory action in the brain, which increases neuronal inhibition and produces calmness, sleep, or even anesthesia at higher doses. Because of this powerful effect, they have a relatively narrow safety margin and a high risk of dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal, so they’re not considered freely safe options like some newer sedatives. They also interact with other depressants, including MAO inhibitors, which can lead to dangerous effects. That makes the statement that they are a type of sedative-hypnotic the true one, while the other statements—no risk of dependency, no interaction with MAOIs, or not being a sedative-hypnotic—are not correct.