Many people mistakenly believe that barbiturates are obsolete drugs that are no longer prescribed. And while they have been largely replaced by benzodiazepines (benzos), they are still dispensed more often than you might think. To learn more about the dangers of barbiturates, examples of barbiturates, and substance abuse treatment programs that can help overcome addiction, call 888.341.3607 to speak with someone from Ashwood Recovery’s team of knowledgeable professionals in Idaho.
Barbiturates vs. Benzodiazepines
The number of barbiturate prescriptions has decreased significantly since the 1970s. Today, benzodiazepines are the first-line pharmacological treatment for anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances.
Because they have similar effects on the CNS, some people think barbiturates and benzodiazepines are the same. However, these are two completely different classes of drugs. Higher doses of barbiturates directly lead to respiratory depression, potentially to the point of death, but this is not the case with benzodiazepines. When taken alone, benzodiazepines are very rarely the cause of death or even severe complications.
What Are Barbiturates?
Barbiturates are once-popular prescription sedatives that benzodiazepines have primarily replaced. Like benzos, opioids, and alcohol, a common barbiturate effect is that it depresses the central nervous system (CNS).
What Do Barbiturates Treat?
Over 100 years ago, barbiturates were introduced therapeutically when Bayer marketed barbital as a sleeping aid. At first, it was considered a significant improvement over the bromides used at the time. Over time, the use of barbiturates expanded as doctors prescribed them to treat not only sleep disorders but also anxiety, epilepsy, and severe migraine or cluster headaches.
What Are Barbiturate Examples?
Barbiturate medications may include:
- Methohexital (Brevital)
- Sodium Thiopental (Pentothal)
- Thiamylal (Surital)
- Amobarbital (Amytal)
- Apropbarbital (Allonal, Oramon, Somnifaine)
- Butobarbital (Butisol)
- Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
- Secobarbital (Seconal)
- Allobarbital (Cibalgine)
- Alphenal (Efrodal, Prophenal, Sanudorm)
- Mephobarbital (Mebaral)
- Methylophenobarbital (Prominal)
- Phenobarbital (Luminal)
These drugs are typically categorized by their onset speed and duration of effects.
Barbiturate Tolerance and Dependence
Barbiturate tolerance develops very quickly, possibly with the very first administration. This means that larger and larger doses are required for the medication to be effective. This is a significant problem because the therapeutic “window” for barbiturates—the dosage at which the drugs work but are not harmful—is minimal. Physical dependence on barbiturates can develop in as little as one month.
Barbiturate Withdrawal
Withdrawal from barbiturates is perhaps more dangerous than from any other addictive substance. Symptoms manifest within eight to 16 hours after the last dose and may include:
- Heightened anxiety to the point of panic
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Uncontrollable tremors
- Severe visual hallucinations
- Psychosis resembling delirium tremens (DTs)
- Dangerously high fever
- Neurological damage
- Circulatory failure
- Potentially fatal seizures or convulsions
Because of these risks, a person should never attempt to quit using barbiturates “cold turkey” or on their own. Barbiturate detox should always be done under the close supervision of qualified medical personnel.
Barbiturate Overdose
Death due to acute barbiturate poisoning—i.e., overdose—typically occurs because of a stoppage in breathing. Like other CNS depressants, barbiturates suppress respiration. Finally, some barbiturates stay in the user’s system for a considerable period. This means that during regular use, the drug accumulates and reaches toxic levels. This can even occur when the drug is taken as directed.
While an opioid overdose can be reversed by the prompt administration of the emergency medication Narcan, and a benzodiazepine overdose is treated with flumazenil, there is no reversal drug for an acute barbiturate overdose.
Barbiturate Addiction Treatment
An addiction to barbiturates is best treated with a comprehensive recovery approach:
- Medically-supervised detox
- Tapering dosages
- Medication assistance—anti-anxiety drugs, for example
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Motivational enhancement therapy
- 12-step facilitation
Depending on the personal history and needs of the individual, barbiturate rehab can be conducted on a residential or outpatient basis. Because psychological dependence on barbiturates can last for years, long-term support services are crucial to successful and long-lasting recovery.
Find Barbiturate Addiction Treatment in Idaho at Ashwood Recovery
If you or a loved one are struggling with barbiturate addiction, contact Ashwood Recovery today at 888.341.3607 to learn about the dangers of barbiturate abuse, the adverse effects of barbiturates on physical and psychological health, and how we can help.