What are Barbiturates and How to Use Them?Barbiturates are drugs that produce effects from mild sedation to total anesthesia. Barbiturates are medications that are used for seizure disorders, to alleviate insomnia and to bring relief from tension (for instance, prior to medical procedure). Barbiturates should be taken with meal in case of upset stomach. For sleep aid, barbiturates have to be taken 30 to 60 minutes before you go to bed.
This drug must be taken as it was prescribed since you might develop addiction if you use them more often or above given dose.
You mustn’t stop taking this medication until you talk to your physician especially if you have been using barbiturates for longer time. Also, the drug could lose its effect if taken for too long and dosage alteration will be required in such case.
Barbiturates Side Effects and Cautions
Drowsiness and dizziness are common side effects of this medication. Other side effects include upset stomach, headache, weakness, grogginess and dreaming. You must notify your doctor when these symptoms continue or become worse. Also, you must turn to your doctor in case you experience chest pain, rapid heart rate, nosebleeds, confusion and hallucinations.
Allergic reaction to barbiturates is rare but if it occurs you must seek help instantly. Allergic reaction is distinguished by rash, itching, swelling, dizziness and breathing difficulties.
When taking barbiturates keep away from alcoholic beverages since this combination can result in severe sleepiness. You shouldn’t do anything that requires your full attention like driving and handling machinery.
Barbiturates should be avoided during pregnancy and while breast feeding though effects of barbiturates on nursing child aren’t identified.
Older people are more susceptible to side effects of barbiturates than the younger ones.
You must inform your physician if you have history of allergies, blood disorders, liver diseases, or asthma.
Interactions with Drugs and Overdose
Before starting barbiturates therapy, notify you doctor if you are taking any medications. Especially dangerous can be combination with blood thinners, epilepsy medications, depression medications, narcotic pain relievers and antihistamines.
Oral birth control pills might lose their effectiveness because of barbiturates.
In case of possible overdose you must call ER or US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms include extreme drowsiness, abnormally slow or fast heart beat rate, breathing difficulties, dizziness, pupil size changes, sweating and coordination and consciousness loss.
In case you skip dose don’t compensate it with double dose but continue with dosage timetable as prescribed.
Store barbiturates at room temperature and away from moisture and sunlight.
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