Phenobarbital: what is it, the effect and consequences of the drug

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Attention! The material contains information about substances, the use of which can cause serious harm to your health!

Some drugs are not created by drug dealers, but are used in medicine to treat various diseases. One of these is phenobarbital. Drugs based on them can be extremely addictive even with the correct dosage.

• Phenobarbital
• What is phenobarbital
• Photo of the drug: what it looks like
• Duration of action of phenobarbital
• Harm of phenobarbital
• Effect of Phenobarbital: narcotic effect
• Forms of release of the drug
• Phenobarbital tablets
• Solution
• Signs of phenobarbital use
• Physical symptoms
• Changes in behavior
• How long does phenobarbital leave the body?
• How long does it stay in the blood?
• How long does it stay in urine?
• Consequences of taking Phenobarbital: effects on the body
• Phenobarbital poisoning
• Phenobarbital during pregnancy
• Lethal dose of phenobarbital
• Phenobarbital dependence
• Drug overdose
• Withdrawal from Phenobarbital
• Treatment of Phenobarbital Addiction
• Get rid of addiction at home
• Treatment for Phenobarbital in the clinic

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Phenobarbital

Interestingly, this substance is officially recommended by WHO for the treatment of epileptic seizures. Phenobarbital is on the list of restricted drugs, but at the same time it is on the list of vital medications. For example, the common drug Corvalol, so beloved by Russian grandmothers, also contains phenobarbital.

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What is phenobarbital

This is a drug belonging to the group of barbiturates. Has a powerful effect on the nervous system. Phenobarbital was first synthesized at the beginning of the 20th century by a German chemist. It was sold in pharmacies under the name “Luminal” and was recommended as a sleeping pill and sedative.

The production of such a medicine was a real breakthrough, because now doctors had a way to calm violent, mentally ill people. Many used it uncontrollably as a sedative. However, after some time, an unpleasant fact was revealed - phenobarbital is highly addictive and has a detrimental effect on overall health.

Photo of the drug: what it looks like

Figure 1 Phenobarbital tablets

Figure 2 Chemical formula and liquid form of the drug for injection

Duration of action of phenobarbital

The hypnotic effect caused by the drug reaches its maximum within an hour after administration. In this case, sleep lasts about 8-10 hours, and it differs significantly from natural night rest. If we are talking about exceeding the dosage, the effect may occur faster, and the risk of overdose and severe intoxication of the body increases. By the way, many people mistakenly consider Phenazepam and Phenobarbital to be similar drugs. However, this is not so - they have different active ingredients and different mechanisms of action.

Harm of phenobarbital

Why is phenobarbital dangerous? First of all, it disrupts the normal functioning of the nervous system. If you take the drug regularly, instead of a sedative effect, you can get insomnia, hallucinations and mental disorders. There are several other side effects:

• Liver destruction.
• The appearance of blisters and ulcers on the skin.
• Blood clots occur and the blood becomes thicker.
• Constant dizziness.
• Loss of coordination in space.

It is not necessary to consume phenobarbital in large quantities to experience these side effects. Long-term and regular use may well cause such a reaction in the body.

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Sedatives

Many patients, despairing of coping with the problem of how to fall asleep and fully relax, begin to take these drugs on their own, without first consulting a doctor. Indeed, the main advantage of herbal medicines is their safety, the absence of the risk of overdose and daytime drowsiness.

But at the same time, they can hardly be called the best drugs for the treatment of insomnia. They are only effective for minor sleep problems. They are prescribed for increased anxiety and restlessness, irritability and emotional lability.

This is not a complete list of medications used for insomnia. According to indications, nootropics (for example, Phenibut), anxiolytics, and multivitamin complexes are prescribed. At the same time, it is impossible to say what is better or worse: a treatment regimen that helped in one case may not work in another. Therefore, only a doctor should determine what to drink for insomnia. Still have questions? Would you like to make an appointment? Call our operator by phone.

Forms of release of the drug

Phenobarbital is available in several forms for ease of use. For example, injections work much faster than tablets.

Phenobarbital tablets

The tablets are sold strictly according to your prescription. However, there are always ways to buy them illegally. The medicine requires an individual dosage, which is calculated only by a doctor. It has many contraindications, for example, pathologies of the heart, liver and kidneys, pregnancy and breastfeeding, etc.

Solution

Used for intravenous and intramuscular administration. Maximum concentration in blood plasma is achieved after 1-2 hours.

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Description of the best tablets

"Tenoten"

Homeopathic remedy. Improves mood and memory. Relieves anxiety, does not cause drowsiness and addiction even with long-term use. Prescribed 1 tablet twice a day.

"Phenazepam"

Normalizes sleep, relieves anxiety, restlessness, irritability. Fights fears, improves mood. Has a fast effect. Prescribed for adults: 1 pill three times a day.

"Sonmil"

The active ingredient is doxylamine succinate. It has a calming effect, gently and effectively relieves anxiety, facilitates the process of falling asleep and ensures a high-quality and long night's rest. Convenient administration - 1 tablet before bedtime.

"Afobazol"

The active ingredient is fabomotizole. Effectively fights anxiety, fear, irritability. Improves memory, normalizes sleep, increases concentration. A three-time dose of one pill is recommended.

Signs of phenobarbital use

What signs can be used to determine that a person is using phenobarbital? Of course, this is a whole complex of changes in appearance and behavior.

Physical symptoms

If you abuse the substance, you may notice a sharp deterioration in your skin condition. This is the appearance of pimples, ulcers, and a gray tint to the skin. A wandering or glassy gaze completes the picture.

Changes in behavior

A drug addict can be practically in a trance state, and within a couple of minutes he can laugh or shout at his family. Sudden mood swings are one of the most obvious signs of drug use. In addition, the person becomes apathetic, sleepy, and his coordination of movements is impaired.

How long does phenobarbital leave the body?

It is worth noting that Phenobarbital itself is eliminated from the body quite slowly. At the same time, it remains in the urine for the longest time.

How long does it stay in the blood?

The half-life of the substance in blood plasma is about 79 hours. Complete exit will take at least 5-7 days. If we are talking about regular use, then these numbers increase.

How long does it stay in urine?

The exact time that phenobarbital remains in the urine is impossible to predict. It all depends on the functioning of the kidneys and the general condition of the body. The average period for single use is from 2 to 5 days. If we are talking about regular use, then the duration of stay in urine can reach 45 days.

Adjuvant therapy

When recovering from a drunken state, great attention is paid to stabilizing the functioning of internal organs.

In this case, the following may be prescribed:

• Pharmaceuticals containing sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium - these minerals are necessary for the functioning of internal organs, and with prolonged alcoholism, their deficiency occurs. A prominent representative of this group’s means of breaking up binge drinking is Methusol. Administered intravenously, it has a rehydrating, diuretic, detoxifying, and antioxidant effect. With its help, rapid replenishment of circulating blood volume during hypovolemia is achieved, blood viscosity is reduced, its rheological properties are improved, and tissue dehydration is prevented. Exhibits a hemodynamic effect, promotes cell adaptation to lack of oxygen.
• Hepatoprotectors necessary for the protection and restoration of liver cells. This can be Heptral, Essentially, administered intravenously. An excellent effect is provided by Remaxol®, containing succinic acid, meglumine, riboxin, methionine, nicotinamide, sodium, potassium, magnesium chlorides, sodium hydroxide. It reduces bilirubin, improves the release of direct bilirubin into bile and the oxidation of cholesterol.
• Nootropics – improve brain function. The most commonly administered drug is Piracetam.

Consequences of taking Phenobarbital: effects on the body

The use of phenobarbital negatively affects all organs, from the brain to the kidneys. At the same time, due to the high degree of accumulation, the risk of poisoning or overdose increases many times over.

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Phenobarbital poisoning

Phenobarbital poisoning has standard signs of intoxication:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Sudden pressure surges.
• Temperature increase.
• Pallor of the skin.
• Confusion or loss of consciousness.

The toxic dose is approximately 1-2 grams.

Phenobarbital during pregnancy

The medicine is prescribed during pregnancy only in extreme cases, after the 1st trimester. The drug can cause the development of dependence in the fetus, disruption of the formation of internal organs, the occurrence of epilepsy and other developmental pathologies. Drug addicts who use phenobarbital and other narcotic substances very often give birth to children with deformities, for example, absence of limbs, underdevelopment of organs, etc.

Lethal dose of phenobarbital

The lethal dose ranges from 2 to 10 grams. The exact figure depends on the general condition of the body. In this case, minutes count; it is necessary to use an antidote that will weaken the effect of phenobarbital.

Selection of sleeping pills by gender and age

Over-the-counter sleeping pills recommended for children

Almost any herbal sedative medicine that can be bought at a pharmacy without a prescription can be recommended for hyperactive and excitable children. For example, valerian root is the most common remedy for treating infants, preschool and school-age children. Alora syrup and Persen tablets are used in children from 3 years of age, and Persen forte (capsules) is intended for patients over 12 years of age.

What can pregnant women take?

Starting from the first weeks of pregnancy, you can take decoctions of valerian roots, herbal teas from lemon balm, mint, chamomile, hawthorn, and linden blossom. Of the drugs allowed from 13-16 weeks, Novo-passit, Persen, Kratal, passionflower extract. Decoctions of the herbs thyme, oregano and St. John's wort are not recommended for use during pregnancy, as they increase the tone of the uterus and can provoke a miscarriage.

Restrictions on taking sedatives in men

Common hops have a calming effect, but due to the content of phytoestrogens, it reduces libido in men. St. John's wort and mint also reduce sexual activity. A similar effect can be expected from drugs containing bromine (bromocamphor, Corvalol, sodium bromide and potassium bromide).

Features of the use of sleeping pills without prescriptions in older people

As we age, changes in sleep patterns occur, which is why older people often experience insomnia. There are difficulties falling asleep, early awakenings with the inability to fall asleep again, shallow and intermittent sleep. When treating such patients, preference is given to non-drug methods of treating insomnia (primarily sleep hygiene) or herbal preparations. If there is no effect from them, you can recommend over-the-counter sleeping pills Donormil or Melaxen (if indicated). Since the metabolic rate decreases in old age, patients are prescribed reduced doses of drugs. In serious cases, prescription sedatives are used.

It must be remembered that sleeping pills are contraindicated for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, which is quite common in the elderly. With this disease, the patient periodically experiences pauses in breathing during sleep, caused by a decrease in the tone of the muscles of the pharynx and, as a consequence, a narrowing of its lumen.

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The use of sleeping pills for apnea syndrome causes even greater muscle relaxation, due to which the number of pauses in breathing increases. In addition, many of these drugs reduce the activity of the respiratory center. It becomes less sensitive to oxygen deprivation, so episodes of apnea may become not only more frequent, but also longer lasting.

All this aggravates the symptoms and consequences of the disease: it can lead to hypertensive crises, heart rhythm disturbances, angina pectoris, and an increased risk of strokes and heart attacks.

In this regard, in case of sleep disorders, it is necessary to undergo a polysomnographic study to exclude life-threatening sleep diseases.

Phenobarbital dependence

Dependence develops gradually, with regular use of the drug. As for drug addicts, they most often use the substance as an addition to other drugs and alcohol in order to enhance the effect.

Sometimes phenobarbital is used to hold out until the next dose and ease withdrawal symptoms a little. By itself, this medicine does not cause any euphoria. You can buy the medicine only with a prescription, but pharmacies always have products containing phenobarbital.

Drug overdose

An overdose may well be fatal if a lethal dose has been taken. Nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness - with these signs you need to call an ambulance. If you know that a loved one uses drugs, you need to call a drug addiction specialist.

Withdrawal from Phenobarbital

Withdrawal from phenobarbital cannot be compared with withdrawal symptoms, for example, from heroin. However, drug withdrawal syndrome causes mood swings, insomnia, and excessive anxiety. In severe cases, hallucinations are possible.

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General principles for treating insomnia

Strong sleeping pills are not always required. Sometimes it is enough to adjust your sleep and rest patterns and eliminate the irritating factor. However, with long-term chronic insomnia, it is impossible to do without medications. When prescribing medications, take into account:

• symptoms;
• concomitant pathologies;
• drug interactions;
• side effects of medications;
• patient's age;
• physiological conditions (pregnancy, lactation).

Important! Sleeping pills from the group of benzodiazepines should not be taken if breathing during sleep is disrupted (night apnea). Prolonged hypnotics are contraindicated in patients who the next morning are forced to drive or engage in work that requires concentration.

Rapid-acting sleeping pills are indicated in the following cases:

• the duration of insomnia is 1–4 weeks with minor consequences for the general condition of a person;
• insomnia for more than 4 weeks, which is accompanied by negative health consequences.

If in the first case sedatives with a hypnotic effect will help, then in case of severe insomnia, potent sleeping pills are prescribed.