Which among the following is NOT a characteristic of barbiturate use?

The statement regarding high therapeutic index is accurate in identifying a characteristic that is not associated with barbiturate use. In pharmacology, the therapeutic index is a measure that compares the amount of a therapeutic agent that causes the therapeutic effect to the amount that causes toxic effects. Barbiturates are known to have a low therapeutic index, meaning the margin between therapeutic and toxic doses is small. This necessitates careful monitoring and dosing, as the risk of overdose and serious side effects is significant.

On the other hand, the other options accurately describe characteristics associated with barbiturates. Barbiturates act as GABA agonists, enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA within the central nervous system. They also inhibit complex I of the electron transport chain (ETC), which can contribute to their sedative-hypnotic effects. Furthermore, discontinuation of barbiturate use can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms, inclusive of seizures and other significant physiological reactions, due to their dependence potential. This further underscores the risks associated with their low therapeutic index.