Barbiturates refer to substances that depress the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). According to the University of Washington, barbiturates can lead to anxiety, low blood pressure and a reduced heart rate in low doses. In high doses, barbiturates can lead to sedation, coma and even death. It is important to be aware of a few barbiturate medications.
Butabarbital
Butabarbital is a barbiturate drug used to reduce the brain and nervous system's activity, according to Drugs.com. Butabarbital can help manage insomnia and induce sedation prior to surgery.
Butabarbital's common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, nausea, difficulty concentrating and memory loss. This drug also causes memory problems, an increase in excitement, muscle or joint pain and nightmares. Call a physician when these side effects last for more than seven days. Serious side effects include fainting, difficulty breathing or swallowing, mouth sores, easy bruising or bleeding, fever and sore throat. Notify a doctor right away when these develop.
Drugs.com says that a dose adjustment may be necessary if you are suffering from such medical problems as anemia, liver disease, asthma, depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver disease or alcohol addiction. In some cases, this medication may not be able to be taken at all. Do not use butabarbital if you are pregnant, as it can harm the fetus.
Butabarbital is available as tablet that typically is taken prior to sleeping.
Mephobarbital
Mephobarbital is a barbiturate used to reduce anxiety, tension and seizures. Drugs.com lists its side effects as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, agitation and memory problems. Notify a physician if these last for more than three days. Mephobarbital's serious side effects include confusions, hallucination, a slow heart rate (bradycardia) and fainting, and you should call a doctor if these occur.
Your doctor may alter your mephobarbital dose if you have heart disease, anemia, asthma, depression or mental illness. Do not use mephobarbital when pregnant because it can lead to birth defects. Mephobarbital should not be taken with other barbiturate medications as it can lead to increased sedation.
Secobarbital Sodium
Secobarbital sodium is used to manage sleeping problems. The National Library of Medicine says this medication is best for short-term use because its effects decline within two weeks. Typically, 100 mg of secobarbital sodium is taken at bedtime.
Drowsiness is the most common side effect of barbiturates. Serious side effects of secobarbital sodium include confusion, nervousness, nightmares, dizziness, a slow heartbeat and low blood pressure.
