Seconal is a trademark name for the barbiturate sodium quinalbarbitone . It was widely used recreationaly in the 1960s and 1970s. Nicknamed "reds", Seconal came in red capsules. Its main medical uses are for seizures, tension relief (as before surgery), and as a temporary sleep aid. It is fairly addictive, and withdrawal symptoms can occur when a continual use is abruptly ended.