National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I) Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

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Which of the following barbiturates is known for its fast-acting properties?

Phenobarbital

Nembutal

Nembutal, known generically as pentobarbital, is recognized for its fast-acting properties among barbiturates. Its swift onset of action makes it effective for uses such as short-term treatment of insomnia and as a sedative before surgery or medical procedures. The rapid effects are attributable to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier quickly, leading to prompt central nervous system depression.

Phenobarbital, in contrast, has a slower onset and longer duration of action, primarily used as an anticonvulsant. Valium (diazepam) is a benzodiazepine, not a barbiturate, and it has fast-acting effects but operates differently from barbiturates. Darvon, which contains propoxyphene, is an analgesic with much less potency and a slow-acting profile compared to barbiturates. This contextual understanding clarifies why Nembutal stands out in this particular question.

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Valium

Darvon

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