Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is barbiturate abuse?
- Signs and symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of barbiturate abuse?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes barbiturate abuse?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk of abusing barbiturates?
- Diagnosis and treatment
- How is barbiturate abuse diagnosed?
- How is barbiturate abuse treated?
Definition
What is barbiturate abuse?
Barbiturates are sedatives that were often prescribed for symptoms of anxiety disorders. Without a doctor's prescription, the use of this drug is considered illegal. In limited use, barbiturates are given to control disorders such as seizures and also as an anesthetic before medical procedures such as surgery.
In very rare cases, barbiturates are prescribed for the treatment of headaches, anxiety and insomnia. However, nowadays the use of barbiturates has been replaced by other safer drugs.
Barbiturates are substances whose use is closely monitored because of their potential for abuse, possible dependence, and addiction.
Some drugs classified as barbiturates include:
- Luminal (phenobarbital)
- Brevital (methohexital)
- Seconal (secobarbital
- Butisol (butabarbital)
- Fiorinal (butalbital)
Phenobarbital dosage must be absolutely accurate in order to be effective, safe, and effective. Patients who are taking this drug to control seizures are usually routinely checked to make sure the patient's levels of this drug are still safe.
People who abuse barbiturates such as phenorbarbital drugs are especially prone to overdose. Even in the short term, excessive doses of barbiturates can reach dangerous and fatal (lethal) levels. Also, because barbiturates are usually taken with alcohol, narcotic pain relievers, or stimulants, the risk is even greater.
Some people use barbiturates to get the psychoactive effects of these drugs. The sensation is similar to that of drunkenness, in that it makes people feel lighter, happier, indifferent, and tends to talk more.
This drug can be swallowed in pill form, crushed and aspirated from the nose, or given as an injection.
Barbiturate abuse is very dangerous and can cause serious physical and psychological symptoms, dependence, and sudden death.
Signs and symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of barbiturate abuse?
The most common symptoms of barbiturate abuse are:
- Can not think
- Don't think long
- Short and very slow breath
- Talk very quietly
- Unbelievably limp
- Very sleepy or even in a coma
- Poor coordination
- Not being able to walk straight or straight (stumbling, stumbling)
If you use this drug excessively for a long time, it may be difficult for you to function normally as usual. You may become irritable and have trouble remembering. You also become less aware of the environment around you.
Miscarriage and birth defects can also be signs of barbiturate abuse.
There may be other symptoms not listed above. If you have any questions or suspicions about certain symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
When should I see a doctor?
If you suspect a member of your family is abusing barbiturates, take him immediately to the emergency department for a doctor's examination. After taking barbiturates, you may appear drunk, but over time, more serious symptoms can follow suddenly.
If the person abusing the barbiturate cannot be awakened (or appears in a coma), immediately call an ambulance or emergency services. Take any remaining medication, bottle, syringe, or residue of abuse with you to the hospital with you so that you can show it to the doctor.
Cause
What causes barbiturate abuse?
Although nowadays barbiturates are rarely prescribed, surveys have shown that their abuse has increased in the last ten years. Many people abuse barbiturates to balance the euphoric or watchful effects of drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine (crystal meth).
This drug is also known to be frequently used in suicide attempts.
Risk factors
What increases my risk of abusing barbiturates?
There are several risk factors for barbiturate abuse:
- Family history of drug or alcohol abuse
- Personal history of other drug or alcohol abuse
- Certain personalities, such as impulsivity (difficulty controlling oneself)
- The doctor prescribed barbiturates
Diagnosis and treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
How is barbiturate abuse diagnosed?
Misuse is confirmed by means of a urine test. However, if you have been admitted to the emergency department or hospital, health workers will usually first check for other causes you can appear drunk. For example, due to head injury, infection, stroke, shock, or other drug use. Patients must have been treated and treated first before a diagnosis can be made.
In general, the patient will be given an intravenous injection and blood drawn. The patient may also be examined with an ECG (electrocardiogram) to monitor the rhythm of his heartbeat. Depending on the patient's condition, other examinations may also be performed by the doctor.
How is barbiturate abuse treated?
Treatment for barbiturate abuse is helpful only, depending on the severity of the condition and symptoms experienced.
If the patient is conscious, can breathe and feed on his own, but is a little weak, you just need supervision.
If the patient is not breathing, the doctor may provide a breathing apparatus until the medication wears off and the patient can breathe again independently.
Most people will be given activated charcoal in liquid form to treat poisoning or barbiturate overdoses. This can be done by inserting a tube filled with activated charcoal into the patient's stomach, possibly through the nose or mouth. Can also be drunk directly.
Generally, patients need to be hospitalized so that their condition can be continuously monitored and managed. However, this comes down to how bad your condition was when you were treated.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
