Common Barbiturates Side Effects: What You Need to Know
Barbiturate is a sedative-hypnotic drug. This article will cover barbiturates side effects, its impact on wellness, and treatment for addiction.
What are Barbiturates?
Barbiturates are a central nervous system depressant that reduces brain activity and induces sleep. They were first synthesized in the 1860s and quickly became a popular sedative and anesthetic medication. People then weren’t aware of barbiturates side effects.
Today, barbiturates are still used for medical purposes, such as inducing anesthesia or treating severe seizures, but they are considered outdated drugs due to the development of newer and safer alternatives.1
Types of Barbiturates
Barbiturates are classified based on their duration of action, ranging from several hours to several days.2
Here are some of the common types of barbiturates:
- Ultra-Short Acting Barbiturates: These barbiturates have a duration of action of fewer than 6 hours. Some of these may last for just 15 minutes. Thiamylall is a common example used as anesthesia for surgery or medical procedures.
- Short-Acting Barbiturates: These barbiturates have a duration of action of 6 to 8 hours. Examples include secobarbital and pentobarbital, which treat insomnia and anxiety.
- Intermediate-Acting Barbiturates: The effects of intermediate-acting barbiturates, such as butabarbital sodium, last between 6 and 12 hours, and these are used to treat insomnia and anxiety.
- Long-Acting Barbiturates: Long-acting phenobarbital and barbital have effects lasting up to 24 hours. Typically, these long-acting barbiturates are combined with other drugs to prevent convulsions in epilepsy.
Barbiturates also differ in strength, with some more potent than others. The strength of a barbiturate is measured in milligrams, and the dose needed for the desired effect depends on the individual and the condition being treated.
Barbiturates and Addiction
Barbiturates are highly addictive because they increase dopamine levels in the brain, causing a euphoric feeling. There are some barbiturates side effects to be aware of.
The drug can cause physical and psychological dependence, even with short-term use. Tolerance to barbiturates can develop quickly, meaning higher doses are needed for the desired effects. This can increase the risk of overdose and other negative health effects.
Withdrawal from barbiturates can be dangerous and cause seizures, delirium, and other severe symptoms.
Risk Factors for Barbiturate Addiction
- A history of substance abuse: People with a history of substance abuse, whether alcohol or other drugs are more likely to become addicted to barbiturates.
- Mental health disorders: Anxiety and depression can lead to self-medicating with barbiturates.
- Genetics: Addiction may run in some families, and the members are more prone to get addicted to any drugs.
- Environment: People who grow up in an environment where drug use is normalized or where drug use is prevalent may more likely experiment with barbiturates and other drugs.
- Peer Pressure: Peer pressure can play a role in barbiturate addiction. People may feel pressured to use drugs to fit in with their social group or to cope with social anxiety.
- Chronic pain: People with chronic pain may be prescribed barbiturates to manage their symptoms, which can increase their risk of addiction.
Barbiturates Side Effects
Short-Term Barbiturates Side Effects
- Drowsiness
- Confusion and disorientation
- Impaired speech and slurring
- Impaired coordination and balance
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches and migraines
Long-Term Risks
Long-term use of barbiturates can lead to a range of health problems. These include:
- Addiction
- Cognitive impairment, including memory loss, confusion, and difficulty concentrating
- Respiratory depression
- Cardiovascular complications, including decreased heart rate and low blood pressure
- Liver damage
Common Barbiturates Side Effects Overview
In addition to the short-term side effects listed above, barbiturates can cause a range of common side effects, including:
- Sedation, which can be dangerous when driving or operating heavy machinery
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Impaired coordination
- Memory impairment
- Difficulty in concentration
- Mood swings, including depression, irritability, and anxiety
Severe Barbiturates Side Effects
In high doses or with long-term use, barbiturates can cause severe side effects, including:
- Seizures, especially during withdrawal
- Coma
- Respiratory arrest, sometimes fatal
- Death
It is important to be aware of the risks associated with these drugs and to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction.
Signs You Are Addicted
Recognizing the signs of barbiturates side effects and addiction can help individuals seek help and prevent further harm to themselves and others.
- Cravings: One of the hallmark signs of addiction is experiencing intense cravings for the drug. These cravings can be overwhelming and difficult to ignore and may drive individuals to seek out the drug even when they know it is harmful.
- Tolerance: With regular use, barbiturates can lead to the development of tolerance, meaning that higher doses of the drug are needed to achieve the desired effects. This can quickly escalate to dangerous levels, as individuals may take increasingly larger amounts of the drug to feel its effects.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Quitting barbiturates can result in withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, delirium, tremors, and anxiety. These symptoms can be life-threatening and make it difficult for individuals to quit the drug independently.
- Social isolation: As addiction takes hold, people may withdraw from their social networks and isolate themselves from friends and family.
- Neglecting responsibilities: Addiction can cause people to neglect their work, school, or home responsibilities. They may miss important appointments, neglect their hygiene and self-care, and even engage in risky behaviors to obtain the drug.
Impact of Barbiturates on Overall Wellness
Barbiturates side effects and addiction can significantly impact an individual’s overall wellness, including their social, financial, emotional, and physical well-being. Let’s highlight each aspect.
Social
Barbiturate abusers may experience strained relationships with loved ones. They may also experience legal problems if they engage in criminal behavior to obtain the drug or are caught using it illegally.
Financial
Barbiturate addiction can also lead to little or no productivity at work, resulting in job loss. They may also spend most of their money buying drugs and seeking medical treatments.
Emotional
Addiction significantly impacts the emotional aspects of a person’s life. Individuals may experience anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. These emotional issues can further exacerbate their addiction and make quitting harder.
Physical
Barbiturate addiction can lead to physical harm discussed above, such as headaches, respiratory problems, liver damage, and, in worse cases, seizures and coma. Addiction may also increase the risk of overdose, which can be fatal.
Treatment Options for Barbiturates Addiction
Barbiturates side effects and addiction can be serious and challenging conditions to treat. Some common treatment options for barbiturate addiction include:
Detoxification
This is the first step in treating barbiturate addiction. It involves removing the drug from the body safely and gradually to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification is usually conducted under the supervision of medical professionals.
Behavioral Therapies
These therapies help individuals identify and change the behaviors that led to their addiction. The therapy also teaches coping mechanisms to deal with triggers that may lead to relapse.
Medication-assisted Treatment
Certain medications can help manage the withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with barbiturate addiction.
Support Groups
Support groups provide emotional support, encouragement, and a sense of community for individuals in recovery.
Inpatient Treatment
For severe cases of barbiturate addiction, inpatient or residential treatment may be necessary. These programs provide a structured environment for recovery and may include a combination of therapies and medications.
Outpatient Treatment
This option is helpful for people with less severe addictions that can be managed while staying at home.
Essence and Barbiturates Addiction
Essence Healthcare offers a range of addiction treatment programs tailored to meet individual needs, especially with barbiturates side effects.
Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals work together to provide comprehensive care and support for those struggling with barbiturate addiction. We are here to listen and offer the best care that meets your needs or the needs of someone you know.
We will help you navigate your personal road to recovery. We offer detoxification services, medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapies, and other evidence-based approaches to help our clients achieve long-term recovery. We also know of support groups to offer encouragement for you.
We’re Here For You
We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for people to heal, grow, and achieve their goals for a healthier and happier life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with barbiturates side effects and addiction, contact us today for compassionate and comprehensive care.
Resources
- https://www.drugs.com/drug-class/barbiturates.html
- https://www.healthline.com/health/addiction
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/symptoms-causes/syc-20365112
- https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Barbiturates.aspx
- https://www.rxlist.com/consumer_barbiturates/drugs-condition.htm
