Barbiturates Overdose: What to Do During an Overdose on Barbiturates

Understanding a barbiturate overdose is crucial for those dealing with addiction or supporting a loved one through recovery. Barbiturates, once commonly prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders, can be highly addictive and dangerous when misused. An overdose can occur unexpectedly, leading to severe health complications or even death.

In this article, we aim to provide you with essential information about recognizing the signs of a barbiturate overdose, understanding its risks, and exploring effective treatment options. By equipping yourself with this knowledge, you can take proactive steps towards ensuring safety and supporting recovery.

What Is Barbiturate Overdose?

Barbiturate overdose occurs when an individual takes excessive barbiturate medication, resulting in toxic levels of the drug in the system. An overdose of barbiturates can be lethal and requires immediate medical attention. When taken in excessive amounts, barbiturates can suppress the functioning of your respiratory system, leading to difficulty breathing, shallow or slowed breathing, and even respiratory arrest.

Some common signs and symptoms of barbiturate overdose include:

• Drowsiness or extreme sedation

• Confusion

• Slurred speech

• Impaired coordination

• Slow or shallow breathing

• Purple lips

• Low blood pressure

• Slow heart rate

• Hypothermia (low body temperature)

• Coma

In severe cases, a barbiturate overdose can lead to respiratory failure, cardiovascular collapse, and death. It is important to treat a barbiturate overdose as a medical emergency. If you suspect someone has overdosed on barbiturates, please call emergency services immediately.

What Are the Risk Factors for Barbiturate Overdose?

Several risk factors can contribute to an increased likelihood of barbiturate overdose. These include:

• High dosage: Taking barbiturates in high doses significantly increases the risk of overdose. Higher doses can overwhelm the body's ability to metabolize and eliminate the drug, leading to toxic levels in the system.

• Concurrent use of other substances: Combining barbiturates with other substances, such as alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or other central nervous system depressants, can potentiate the sedative effects and increase the risk of overdose. Mixing different depressant substances can have synergistic effects, intensifying respiratory depression and central nervous system suppression.

• Tolerance and dependence: People who have developed tolerance to barbiturates may require higher doses to achieve the desired effects. This increases the risk of inadvertently taking excessive amounts of the drug, leading to an overdose. Dependence on barbiturates can also drive individuals to engage in risky behaviors, such as taking larger doses or seeking illegal sources to buy the drug.

• History of substance abuse or addiction: People with a history of substance abuse or addiction, including other sedative-hypnotic drugs, may be at a higher risk of misusing or abusing barbiturates. A pre-existing vulnerability to substance use disorders can increase the likelihood of overdosing on barbiturates.

• Misuse or non-medical use: Using barbiturates outside of prescribed guidelines shared by your doctor, such as taking larger doses, more frequent doses, or using the drug recreationally, significantly increases the risk of overdose. Barbiturates should not be used for non-medical purposes as they can lead to unpredictable and dangerous consequences.

• Lack of medical supervision: Barbiturates are typically prescribed under medical supervision, with careful monitoring of dosages and potential interactions. Obtaining and using barbiturates without medical guidance increases the risk of inappropriate use and overdose.

Treatment Options for Barbiturate Overdose

Barbiturate overdose is a healthcare emergency that must be immediately treated. While waiting for medical help to arrive, the following are the few steps you can take to assist someone suffering from a barbiturate overdose:

• Stay with the person: Ensure you or a reliable friend stays with the affected person to monitor their vital signs and provide support.

• Assess the person's responsiveness: Check if the person is conscious and responsive. If they are unconscious or unresponsive, position them on their side in recovery to prevent choking in case of vomiting.

• Do not induce vomiting: Do not try to induce vomiting unless you are specifically instructed to do so by emergency medical personnel.

• Provide information to medical professionals: When emergency services arrive, try to provide them with as much information as possible about the suspected barbiturate overdose, including the type of barbiturate involved and any other substances the person may have taken.

• Supportive care: Once medical help arrives, treatment for barbiturate overdose typically involves supportive care to stabilize the person's condition. This may include monitoring vital signs (such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation), providing oxygen, and ensuring adequate breathing.

• Gastric decontamination: In some cases, medical professionals may administer activated charcoal to absorb any remaining barbiturates in the stomach and prevent further absorption into the bloodstream. This is typically done within the first hour or two after ingestion.

• Antidote administration: Specific antidotes may be used for barbiturate overdose, such as flumazenil. However, the use of antidotes for barbiturate overdose is limited, and medical professionals should determine their administration based on specific circumstances.

What Are Barbiturates?

Barbiturates are sedative-hypnotic medications that depress the central nervous system, inducing relaxation and sleep. They were once widely prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders. Due to their high potential for abuse and addiction, their medical use has declined.

When misused, barbiturates can lead to severe health risks, including overdose and dependency. If you or a loved one are dealing with barbiturate misuse, it’s crucial to seek professional help to manage and overcome the addiction safely.

Are Barbiturates the Same as Benzos?

Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are both types of central nervous system depressants, but they have some key differences. Barbiturates are older sedative-hypnotic drugs that act as central nervous system depressants by enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA. They are known for their sedative and hypnotic effects, but they also have a high potential for abuse and overdose.

On the other hand, benzodiazepines are a newer class of drugs that also work by enhancing the activity of GABA but in a different way. They are commonly prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, and are generally considered safer than barbiturates in terms of overdose risk. Additionally, benzodiazepines have a lower risk of tolerance and dependence compared to barbiturates.

Overall, while both types of drugs have similar effects on the central nervous system, benzodiazepines are generally considered safer and more commonly prescribed in clinical practice today.

Can Barbiturates Cause Dependency?

Yes, barbiturates have a high potential for dependence and addiction. When taken regularly and for an extended period, your body can develop a tolerance to the effects of barbiturates. This means that higher doses are required to achieve the desired effects, which can increase the risk of overdose.

Barbiturates also have significant withdrawal symptoms, meaning that abruptly stopping or reducing the dose after regular use can result in withdrawal symptoms. Due to the risks associated with dependence and withdrawal, barbiturate use is generally monitored closely and carefully tapered off under medical supervision.

Fortunately, barbiturates are now less commonly prescribed and have been largely replaced by safer alternatives, such as benzodiazepines, for treating insomnia and anxiety.

Barbiturate Withdrawal Symptoms

Barbiturate withdrawal occurs when regular, high-dose use is abruptly stopped or significantly reduced. This can lead to severe and potentially deadly symptoms, varying based on usage duration, the specific barbiturate, and your overall health. You may experience:

• Anxiety: Unease, restlessness, nervousness

• Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping

• Restlessness: Discomfort, inability to relax

• Tremors: Involuntary shaking

• Sweating: Profuse, clammy skin

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure

• Irritability and agitation: Mood swings, emotional disturbances

• Nausea and vomiting

• Seizures: Especially in those with a history of seizures

• Delirium and hallucinations: Confusion, hallucinations

Withdrawal typically begins within a few hours to days after the last dose, lasting one to two weeks. Protracted withdrawal symptoms like mood swings and cravings can persist for weeks or months. Professional help is essential to safely manage withdrawal.

How to Deal With People Suffering From a Barbiturate Addiction

Dealing with a close one suffering from barbiturate dependency issues can be challenging; however, there are some measures you can take to assist them and motivate their recovery. Here are some suggestions:

• Educate yourself: Learn about barbiturate addiction, its effects, and available treatment options. Understanding the nature of addiction can help you provide informed support and guidance to your friends and family members abusing barbiturates.

• Encourage open communication: Create a safe and non-judgmental space for the person to talk about their addiction. Encourage them to express their feelings, concerns, and struggles. Active listening and empathy can make them feel understood and supported.

• Express your concerns: Let the person know that you are genuinely concerned about their well-being and the impact of their addiction on their life. Be specific about the behaviors or consequences you have observed, but avoid blaming or shaming them.

• Offer support and encouragement: Let them know that you are there to support them through their journey to recovery. Encourage them to seek professional help and offer to assist them in finding treatment options, making appointments, or accompanying them to appointments if they are willing.

• Avoid enabling behaviors: It is important not to enable the person's addiction by providing financial support, making excuses for their behavior, or covering up the consequences of their substance abuse. Setting clear boundaries and refusing to participate in enabling behaviors can help motivate them to seek help.

• Encourage professional help: Suggest they seek help from healthcare professionals, such as addiction specialists, counselors, or therapists who can provide appropriate treatment and support. Offer to assist them in finding suitable treatment options and accompany them to appointments if needed.

• Promote a healthy and supportive environment: Encourage the person to engage in healthy activities and build a support network. This can include joining support groups, participating in counseling or therapy, and involving them in positive social activities.

• Take care of yourself: Supporting someone with an addiction can be emotionally draining, so it is important to prioritize your well-being. Seek support for yourself through therapy, support groups, or talking to trusted friends and family members.

Overcoming addiction is a personal journey, and the individual struggling with barbiturate addiction must be motivated and ready for change. While your support can be significant, it is essential to acknowledge that you cannot control their choices or force them to recover. Encouraging professional help and providing a supportive environment can increase the chances of their seeking and maintaining recovery.

Struggling with Barbiturates? You’re Not Alone

Barbiturates are hard to get these days – but that doesn’t make them any safer to abuse. Taken off the market due to their danger, barbiturates can still be found today. If you’re struggling with barbiturate abuse, you’re gambling with your life.

But help is available.

Understanding the dangers of barbiturate overdose and the importance of effective treatment is vital for your recovery or that of a loved one. At The Forge Recovery Center, we offer compassionate, professional support to help you navigate this challenging journey. Our comprehensive approach ensures you receive the care you need to overcome addiction and reclaim your life.

Reach out to us today to start your path to recovery and a healthier future.

Written by

Brian Moore

Content Writer

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

July 25, 2024