Butalbital is a mild, long-acting barbiturate. I sought it for a few years through misrepresentation of my symptoms to MD's and was upset to find out that they were no anymore recreational than clonazepam (Klonopin), which practically falls from the sky in the USA and I'm sure, other countries. The barbiturates of old were phased out directly and intentionally by modern medicine in favor of the "less addictive, less dangerous" benzodiazepines. Their is still heavy risk regarding dependence and addiction, but benzos have the benefit of not being as accutely dangerous in overdose situations, especially when not used in conjunction with other CNS depressants.
So, when secobarbital, pentobarbital, amytal, etc. were taken off-market, the only things that were left were the drugs with less recreational value and subsequently, less danger. In a combination, however, they can be just as dangerous as any other CNS depressant.
