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Butalbital and driving impairment
Jillian K Yeakel1, Barry K Logan
1The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, The Fredric Rieders Family Renaissance Foundation, 2300 Stratford Ave, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|May 21, 2013
Summary
Butalbital is a common barbiturate found in impaired driving cases, causing CNS depression and impairment. Toxicology testing is crucial for detecting butalbital in suspected driving under the influence incidents.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Neuropharmacology
- Medicinal Chemistry
Background:
- Butalbital, a barbiturate used for migraines and muscle pain, is frequently detected in impaired driving cases.
- It exhibits central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects, leading to sedation, drowsiness, and intoxication, which can impair driving ability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review driving under the influence (DUI) cases involving butalbital.
- To correlate field sobriety test results and toxicology findings in these cases.
- To highlight the significance of butalbital testing in DUI investigations.
Main Methods:
- Review of 26 DUI cases.
- Analysis of field sobriety test results.
- Toxicological analysis of blood samples using immunoassay screening, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC/FID), or gas chromatography nitrogen/phosphorus detection (GC/NPD).
Main Results:
- Butalbital concentrations in blood samples ranged from 1.0 to 30.2 mg/L (mean and median: 16.0 mg/L).
- Common impairment indicators observed included horizontal/vertical nystagmus, lack of convergence, poor motor coordination, and speech difficulties.
- These signs are consistent with CNS depressant intoxication, similar to alcohol impairment.
Conclusions:
- Butalbital is a significant factor in driving impairment.
- The observed impairment indicators are characteristic of CNS depressant effects.
- Routine toxicological screening for butalbital is recommended in DUI cases where CNS depressants are suspected.
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