Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants that have side effects if taken incorrectly. According to MayoClinic.com, barbiturates ease tension and cause drowsiness. It is true that barbiturate use may lead to weight loss. One side effect of this powerful drug is loss of appetite. This does not mean, however, that taking barbiturates is a good choice to lose weight. In fact, the other complications from the medication make it possibly one of the worst choices you can make regarding your health.
Effect
Taking barbiturates depresses the nervous system. The extent of this depression leads to sedation, drowsiness and in some cases coma and death. Application method and dosage are prominent factors in the effects of the drug. Website RX Med reports that the exact mechanism of barbiturates is unknown. It is possible they inhibit some neurotransmitters to reduce cortex impulses in the brain. There are therapeutic uses for barbiturates. They may be a solution for temporary insomnia. The drug is often part of a protocol for surgery anesthetization. Barbiturates calm individuals prior to medical procedures. Weight loss is not one of the standard uses for this drug.
Significance for Weight Loss
Barbiturates sedate anyone who takes them. This means that you are less likely to feel like doing much after taking a dose. One potential side effect of taking barbiturates is appetite suppressant. The person on the drug may not feel much like eating or be too sleepy to take the time to eat. If taking one dose of barbiturates, this will not affect your weight. If you take the drug regularly, weight loss is may occur due to the suppressive nature of the medication. Barbiturates have too many other complications for them to be effective weight loss tools.
Complications
If you begin to take barbiturates for weight loss, you stand a good chancing of becoming addicted to the drug. Barbiturates are habit-forming. In fact, MayoClinic.com warns weight loss is one sign of dependent drug use. Long-term or chronic use of barbiturates can lead to bone pain, muscle weakness and jaundice. Overdosing on the drug can slow your heart down and suppress breathing. According to MayoClinic.com, taking this medication may not even work well for weight loss. While losing weight is one possible side effect from barbiturate use, it is not that common. Once the effects of the drug start to wear off, you will eat and negate the weight loss side effect.
Considerations
The habit-forming nature of barbiturates makes them a poor choice strictly for weight loss. If your doctor suggests barbiturates for a medical condition, follow the dosage instructions carefully. If you experience severe drowsiness, loss of reflexes, fever or slurred speech, seek medical help immediately. This may indicate an overdose. Talk to your doctor about the best way to lose weight and improve your fitness level.
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