Seconal, also known as secobarbital, is a barbiturate medication primarily used to treat insomnia. It belongs to a class of drugs known as central nervous system depressants and produces sedative and hypnotic effects by slowing down brain activity. Seconal works by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which promotes relaxation and sleep.
Seconal was first synthesized in 1934 and became widely prescribed as a sleep aid in the mid-20th century. However, due to its high risk of misuse and dependence, as well as the availability of safer alternatives, its use has declined significantly in recent decades. Seconal is now rarely prescribed and is primarily used in medically supervised settings.
