Phenobarbital Addiction Treatment That Actually Works

Phenobarbital (brand names include Luminal, Fenobarb) is a sedative in a class known as barbiturates along with secobarbital and pentobarbital. Phenobarbital may be prescribed for the treatment of seizures and related conditions such as epilepsy, as well as insomnia and anxiety.

Barbiturates such as phenobarbital were commonly prescribed substances in the past. However, they have been largely supplanted in modern medicine with benzodiazepine medications, which carry a lower risk for overdose and work for longer periods of time.

Barbiturate drugs like phenobarbital work by increasing the availability and effectiveness of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that suppresses excitation and communication between nerves in the brain and body. By amplifying the effects of GABA, phenobarbital reduces anxiety and tension. It also produces feelings of sleepiness, loss of coordination, and impaired judgment.

Like most sedative drugs, the main reason why it’s so hard to quit is that withdrawal symptoms can be highly unpleasant. With chronic use, the brain becomes dependent on the drug to maintain GABA levels and allow for normal functioning.

Without the drug in their system, the brain and nerves of people with phenobarbital addiction become hypersensitive, essentially like going into overdrive. This can cause extreme anxiety, difficulty concentrating, muscle twitching, shaking, and/or seizures.

The physical and mental withdrawal symptoms typically set in within a few hours following the last dose. Factors such as duration, frequency of use, and dosage, mean that withdrawal symptoms often vary from user to user, but they may include the following:

• Increased anxiety and nervousness
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Panic
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Muscle spasms/tension
• Intense sweating
• Memory issues
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

The most effective way to treat phenobarbital withdrawal is with a combination of medically supervised detox and psychological support to help the person cope with the stress and anxiety of quitting.

Medical detox for phenobarbital typically starts with a prescription for a long-acting benzodiazepine medication such as Valium. From there, the patient’s dose will be gradually tapered down until they can discontinue it completely. This process allows the body to slowly adjust to lower and lower levels without inducing severe withdrawal symptoms.

Physicians may also prescribe other medications, such as antidepressants or beta-blockers, which have been shown to alleviate certain withdrawal symptoms in some people.

Phenobarbital abuse can result in a number of unpleasant effects, including:

• drowsiness
• headache
• dizziness
• excitement or increased activity
• nausea
• vomiting
• slowed breathing or difficulty breathing
• swelling of the eyes, lips, or cheeks
• rash
• blistering or peeling skin
• fever
• confusion

Besides just overdose, there are other dangers associated with phenobarbital, especially with chronic use and abuse. Long-term abuse of phenobarbital has been linked to conditions including:

• Cognitive impairment – permanent damage to attention, memory, and problem-solving skills
• Increased susceptibility for cancer, stroke, and heart attack
• Psychiatric symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and psychotic symptoms/delusions

Besides just overdose, there are other dangers associated with phenobarbital, especially with chronic use and abuse. Long-term abuse of phenobarbital has been linked to conditions including:

• Cognitive impairment – permanent damage to attention, memory, and problem-solving skills
• Increased susceptibility for cancer, stroke, and heart attack
• Psychiatric symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and psychotic symptoms/delusions

The exact signs and symptoms of chronic phenobarbital abuse vary, but may include:

• Drowsiness
• Sleeping for long periods of time
• Impaired thinking and judgment
• Slurred speech
• Loss of coordination
• Short-term memory loss
• Sluggishness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Delirium

Chronic Phenobarbital abuse may lead to changes in appearance and behavior that affect relationships and work performance. Users with anxiety/panic disorders often experience a rebound effect once the medication wears off, leading to extreme anxiety symptoms.

Yes. By far, the biggest danger associated with phenobarbital abuse is overdose, which is often fatal due to phenobarbital’s ability to depress breathing and heart rate.

In fact, phenobarbital is sometimes included in lethal injections for this exact reason.