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Understanding the Risks: What is a blue devil drug?

3 min read

In 2015, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimated that 452,000 people in the US used a barbiturate [1.4.4]. One such substance is known on the street as the blue devil drug, a potent and dangerous medication with a high potential for abuse.

Quick Summary

The 'blue devil drug' is the street name for amobarbital, an intermediate-acting barbiturate. This central nervous system depressant poses a high risk of dependence, and overdose, and is strictly controlled.

Key Points

  • Identity: 'Blue devil drug' is a street name for amobarbital, an intermediate-acting barbiturate previously sold as Amytal [1.3.6].

  • Mechanism: It is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that slows brain function, causing sedation and drowsiness [1.3.7].

  • High Risk of Abuse: Amobarbital has a high potential for severe psychological and physical dependence, leading to addiction [1.6.3].

  • Legal Status: It is a Schedule II controlled substance in the U.S., indicating a high abuse potential alongside limited medical use [1.6.1].

  • Overdose Danger: The risk of a fatal overdose is very high, particularly when mixed with other depressants like alcohol or opioids [1.4.4, 1.4.7].

  • Medical Use: Its medical use is now rare and largely replaced by safer benzodiazepines; it is primarily used in specific hospital procedures [1.6.1, 1.6.2].

  • Withdrawal: Abruptly stopping the drug can cause a severe and potentially life-threatening withdrawal syndrome [1.3.2].

In This Article

Introduction to the "Blue Devil"

The term "blue devil drug" refers to the barbiturate amobarbital, often recognized by its former brand name, Amytal [1.3.5, 1.3.6]. Barbiturates are a class of drugs that act as central nervous system (CNS) depressants, meaning they slow down brain activity [1.3.7]. First synthesized in Germany in 1923, amobarbital gained popularity for its sedative-hypnotic properties [1.3.6]. For decades, it was prescribed to treat conditions like insomnia and anxiety [1.6.2]. However, due to its high potential for abuse, severe psychological or physical dependence, and the high risk of fatal overdose, its medical use has been largely superseded by safer alternatives like benzodiazepines [1.3.5, 1.6.2]. Today, its use is heavily restricted.

Pharmacology of Amobarbital

Amobarbital is classified as an intermediate-acting barbiturate, with its effects typically lasting four to six hours [1.5.1, 1.5.5]. It works by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain signals [1.6.4]. This action produces a spectrum of effects, from mild sedation to general anesthesia. Due to its significant risks, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies amobarbital as a Schedule II controlled substance [1.6.1, 1.6.3]. This classification indicates it has accepted medical uses but also a high potential for abuse and severe dependence [1.7.3]. Its medical application is now rare and primarily confined to hospital settings, such as for the Wada test to determine language and memory functions in the brain before surgery [1.6.1].

Short and Long-Term Effects of Blue Devils

When misused, amobarbital can induce a state similar to alcohol intoxication, characterized by euphoria, reduced inhibition, and drowsiness [1.2.2, 1.3.5].

Immediate Effects:

  • Drowsiness and sedation [1.4.1]
  • Slurred speech and confusion [1.2.2]
  • Impaired coordination and poor judgment [1.4.4]
  • Dizziness and headaches [1.4.2]
  • In some cases, paradoxical excitement or agitation may occur [1.4.5]

Long-Term Risks and Dangers:

Continued use of amobarbital can lead to the development of tolerance, meaning higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect, and severe physical and psychological dependence [1.4.2]. Withdrawal from barbiturates can be life-threatening, producing symptoms like delirium, tremors, and potentially fatal seizures [1.3.2, 1.4.4].

The most significant acute danger is overdose. Barbiturates have a narrow therapeutic index, meaning the difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic one is small. An overdose can cause severe respiratory depression (shallow or stopped breathing), coma, and death [1.4.4]. The risk is dramatically amplified when amobarbital is combined with other CNS depressants like alcohol or opioids [1.4.2, 1.4.7].

Comparison: Amobarbital vs. Other Sedatives

To understand its place among sedatives, it's helpful to compare amobarbital to other common drugs.

Feature Amobarbital (Blue Devil) Phenobarbital Diazepam (Valium)
Drug Class Intermediate-Acting Barbiturate Long-Acting Barbiturate Benzodiazepine
Duration of Action 4 to 6 hours [1.5.1] Up to 12 hours [1.5.1] 20 to 50 hours (half-life)
Primary Use Historically for insomnia/anxiety; now mainly for specialized medical tests (Wada test) [1.6.1] Seizure control (epilepsy) [1.5.1] Anxiety, muscle spasms, seizure control
Addiction/Abuse Risk High (Schedule II) [1.6.3] High (Schedule IV) [1.6.6] High (Schedule IV)
Overdose Risk Very High, especially with other CNS depressants [1.4.4] High, but lower than shorter-acting barbiturates High, but generally considered safer than barbiturates

Street Names, Appearance, and Legal Status

While "blue devils" is a common street name, amobarbital is also known as "blue heavens," "blue velvet," "downers," and "blue birds" [1.3.2, 1.3.6]. The name derives from the bright blue, bullet-shaped capsules it was sold in by Eli Lilly under the brand name Amytal [1.3.6]. Although the tablet form has been banned by the FDA for personal prescription, it may still be found illegally [1.3.4, 1.6.2]. As a Schedule II substance, possessing or distributing amobarbital without authorization carries severe legal penalties [1.6.1, 1.7.6].

Conclusion

The "blue devil drug," or amobarbital, is a powerful and dangerous barbiturate with a significant history of abuse. Its sedative effects come with the high price of addiction, severe withdrawal, and a life-threatening overdose risk. While it once had a place in medicine, its use has been rightly curtailed in favor of safer alternatives. Understanding the risks associated with this substance is crucial for public health and safety.

For more information on controlled substances, visit the DEA website [1.8.5].

Frequently Asked Questions

The 'blue devil drug' is a street name for amobarbital, a powerful barbiturate that acts as a central nervous system depressant [1.3.2, 1.3.6].

Effects are similar to alcohol intoxication and include drowsiness, slurred speech, confusion, poor judgment, and euphoria. It can also cause dizziness and headaches [1.2.2, 1.4.2].

Yes, amobarbital is a Schedule II controlled substance. Possessing or distributing it without a valid, highly restricted medical reason is illegal and carries severe penalties [1.6.1, 1.7.1].

Yes, the risk of overdose is very high. An overdose can lead to severe respiratory depression, coma, and death. The danger is significantly increased when mixed with alcohol or other depressants [1.4.4, 1.6.2].

Yes, amobarbital is highly addictive. Continued use leads to tolerance and can create severe physical and psychological dependence [1.4.2, 1.6.2].

Besides 'blue devils,' other street names include 'blue heavens,' 'blue velvet,' 'blue birds,' and 'downers' [1.3.1, 1.3.2].

Amobarbital has been largely replaced by benzodiazepines because they are considered safer, with a lower risk of addiction and fatal overdose [1.3.5, 1.6.2].

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.