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If you suspect a loved one is using barbiturates and is experiencing barbiturate overdose it is advantageous to become familiar with barbiturate overdosed symptoms. Discover the risks and effects of barbiturates overdose and addiction.

By We Level Up NJ Treatment Center | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: April 5, 2023

Dangers of Barbiturate Overdose

Barbiturates are sedative-hypnotic medications that cause you to feel sleepy or relaxed. They’ve treated many conditions for over a century, including migraines, seizures, insomnia, and more. However, they’re less common today because of the risk of abuse and certain side effects. Barbiturates affect your brain by increasing a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which slows down the activity of your brain cells. They have a high potential for abuse and dependence, and a barbiturate overdose can be fatal.

Barbiturate overdose can have severe and life-threatening consequences. When someone takes too much of a barbiturate, it can depress the central nervous system, slowing down brain activity and vital bodily functions such as breathing and heart rate. This can lead to a range of health complications and even death.

One of the most significant dangers of barbiturate overdose is respiratory depression. When the drug suppresses breathing, it can lead to low oxygen levels in the body, which can cause brain damage or even death. Additionally, the longer the respiratory depression lasts, the higher the risk of permanent damage to the brain and other organs.

Barbiturate overdose can also cause coma, which is a state of unconsciousness that can last for hours, days, or even weeks. During a coma, the brain is not able to function normally, and the individual may require life support to stay alive.

Another danger of barbiturate overdose is seizures. When someone takes too much of a barbiturate, it can cause the brain to become hyperexcitable, leading to seizures. These can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

In addition to the physical dangers, barbiturate overdose can also have psychological consequences. For example, it can cause confusion, disorientation, and impaired judgment, leading to risky behaviors and accidents. It can also lead to mood changes, anxiety, and depression, which can persist long after the overdose has been treated.

Barbiturate Overdose Death

what is a barbiturate overdose? Barbiturate overdose can result in death, particularly if the individual does not receive prompt medical attention. When someone takes too much of a barbiturate, it can depress the central nervous system, slowing down vital bodily functions such as breathing and heart rate. This can lead to hypoxia (low oxygen levels) in the body, which can cause brain damage or even death.

Barbiturates are particularly dangerous when combined with other CNS depressants, such as alcohol or opioids, as they can amplify the effects of each drug, leading to a greater risk of overdose and death.

Risks of Barbiturates Overdose Death

The risk of death from overdose of barbituratese is highest in individuals who have underlying health conditions that affect how their body processes the drug, such as liver or kidney disease. Additionally, individuals who use barbiturates regularly or who have a history of substance abuse are at a higher risk of overdose and death.

What does barbiturate overdose mean? If someone is experiencing a barbiturate overdose, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Prompt treatment can help to prevent long-term health complications and reduce the risk of death. Treatment may involve supportive care such as oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and intravenous fluids to maintain vital functions. In severe cases, medications such as flumazenil may be used to reverse the effects of the barbiturate.

Prevention is key to avoiding barbiturate overdose and death. Always use the drug as directed and do not take more than the prescribed dose. Avoid combining the drug with other CNS depressants, such as alcohol or opioids, and do not share your medication with others. If you are struggling with substance abuse or addiction, seek help from a healthcare professional or addiction treatment center.

Causes of Barbiturate Overdose

What’s barbiturate overdose? An overdose of barbiturates can occur when someone takes too much of the drug or combines it with other CNS depressants, such as alcohol or opioids. It can also occur when someone has a medical condition that affects how their body processes the drug, such as liver or kidney disease.

Effects of Barbiturate Overdose

Barbiturates depress the CNS, slowing down brain activity and causing drowsiness, sedation, and relaxation. When someone takes too much of a barbiturate, the drug can suppress vital bodily functions such as breathing and heart rate, leading to serious health consequences. In severe cases, an overdose can lead to coma, brain damage, or death.

What is barbiturate overdose? A barbiturate overdose occurs when someone takes more of these drugs than their body can handle, leading to a potentially life-threatening situation. Barbiturates are a type of medication that act on the central nervous system and are often used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders. However, they can also be misused as recreational drugs.
What is barbiturate overdose? A barbiturate overdose occurs when someone takes more of these drugs than their body can handle, leading to a potentially life-threatening situation. Barbiturates are a type of medication that act on the central nervous system and are often used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders. However, they can also be misused as recreational drugs.

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Barbiturates Addiction Statistics

Prescription drug abuse is America’s fastest-growing drug problem. A third of people (aged 12 and over) who used drugs for the first time used prescription medication non-medically. 18 million Americans misuse prescription medications. In 2017 alone, two million Americans misused prescriptions for the first time. These numbers may rise as the population gets older and uses more medications.


55 %

55 percent of nonmedical users acquired prescription painkillers for free from a friend or relative

Source: NIDA

405,000

in 2018, approximately 405,000 Americans aged 12 and higher reported using barbiturates. 

Source: SAMHSA

32,000

Americans aged 12 and higher reported misusing barbiturates.

Source: SAMHSA


Barbiturates Drug Facts

What are Barbiturates?

Barbiturates are depressants that produce a wide
spectrum of central nervous system depression
from mild sedation to coma. They also have been
used as sedatives, hypnotics, anesthetics, and
anticonvulsants.


What is their origin?

Barbiturates were first introduced for medical use
in the 1900s, and today, few substances are in
medical use.


What do they look like?


Barbiturates come in a variety of multicolored pills
and tablets. Users prefer the short-acting and
intermediate barbiturates such as Amytal® and
Seconal.


How are they abused?

Barbiturates are abused by swallowing a pill or
injecting a liquid form. Barbiturates are generally
abused to reduce anxiety, decrease inhibitions,
and treat unwanted effects of illicit drugs.
Barbiturates can be extremely dangerous
because overdoses can occur easily and lead to
death.

What is their effect on the mind?


Barbiturates cause:
• Mild euphoria, lack of restraint, relief of anxiety, and sleepiness

Higher doses cause:
• Impairment of memory, judgment, and coordination; irritability; and paranoid and suicidal ideation
• Tolerance develops quickly, and larger doses are then needed to produce the same effect, increasing the danger of an overdose.


What is their effect on the body?

Barbiturates slow down the central nervous
system and cause sleepiness.


What are their overdose effects?

Effects of overdose include:
• Central nervous system depression, decreased
respiration, increased heart rate, decreased blood
pressure, decreased urine production, decreased body temperature, coma, and possible death.

What's a barbiturate overdose? According to the National Institute of Health [4], about 1 in 10 people who overdose on barbiturates or a mixture that contains barbiturates will die. They usually die from heart and lung problems. Learn more about barbiturate overdose death.
What’s a barbiturate overdose? According to the National Institute of Health [4], about 1 in 10 people who overdose on barbiturates or a mixture that contains barbiturates will die. They usually die from heart and lung problems. Learn more about barbiturate overdose death.

What are the Physical Effects of Barbiturate Overdose?

What’s a barbiturate overdose? Barbiturate overdose can cause a range of physical effects, which can be severe and potentially life-threatening. Some of the common physical effects of barbiturate overdose include:

  • Respiratory depression. Barbiturates can slow down breathing, and in high doses, they can cause respiratory depression, which can be fatal.
  • Coma. Barbiturates can cause a person to become unconscious, and in some cases, they may enter a coma.
  • Hypotension. Barbiturates can cause a drop in blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness and fainting.
  • Hypothermia. Barbiturates can cause the body temperature to drop, which can lead to hypothermia, a condition where the body temperature falls below normal levels.
  • Seizures. Barbiturate withdrawal can cause seizures, and in some cases, overdose can also cause seizures.
  • Cardiac arrest. In severe cases, barbiturate overdose can cause the heart to stop beating, leading to cardiac arrest.
  • Rhabdomyolysis. Barbiturate overdose can cause muscle breakdown, leading to the release of toxic substances into the bloodstream.
  • Kidney damage. Rhabdomyolysis can lead to kidney damage, which can be severe and potentially life-threatening.

It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect someone has overdosed on barbiturates or if you are experiencing symptoms of barbiturate overdose yourself.

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What are the Behavioral and Psychological Effects of Barbiturate Overdose?

In addition to physical effects, barbiturate overdose can also cause a range of behavioral and psychological effects, which can vary depending on the dose and individual. Some of the common behavioral and psychological effects of barbiturate overdose include:

  • Confusion. Barbiturates can cause confusion, disorientation, and impaired cognitive function, which can lead to difficulty thinking clearly and making decisions.
  • Agitation. In some cases, barbiturate overdose can cause agitation, restlessness, and irritability.
  • Mood changes. Barbiturates can cause mood changes, including depression, anxiety, and emotional lability.
  • Hallucinations. Barbiturate overdose can cause hallucinations, which can be frightening and disorienting.
  • Delirium. In severe cases, barbiturate overdose can cause delirium, a state of extreme confusion and disorientation.
  • Amnesia. Barbiturates can cause memory loss, and in some cases, overdose can cause amnesia, where a person may not remember events that occurred during the overdose.
  • Slurred speech. Barbiturates can cause slurred speech, which can make it difficult for a person to communicate effectively.
  • Incoordination. Barbiturates can cause loss of coordination, which can make it difficult for a person to walk or perform basic tasks.

It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms or if you suspect an overdose has occurred.

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Signs and Symptoms of Barbiturate Overdose

The signs and symptoms of a barbiturate overdose may vary depending on the amount of drug taken and the individual’s tolerance. They can include:

  • Drowsiness.
  • Confusion.
  • Slurred speech.
  • Impaired coordination.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Respiratory depression (shallow breathing or cessation of breathing).
  • Coma.
  • Seizures.
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure).
  • Bradycardia (slow heart rate).
  • Hypothermia (low body temperature).

The onset of symptoms may occur quickly, usually within 30 minutes to an hour after taking the drug. In severe cases, an overdose can be fatal within hours.

Barbiturate overdose is a dire situation that can result in death. Therefore, it should be treated as such by anyone who witnesses it. Read to learn more about accidental barbiturate overdose.
Barbiturate overdose is a dire situation that can result in death. Therefore, it should be treated as such by anyone who witnesses it. Read to learn more about accidental barbiturate overdose.

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Treatment of Barbiturate Overdose

A barbiturate overdose is a medical emergency that requires immediate barbiturates overdose treatment. The first step is to call emergency services, such as 911, and provide as much information as possible about the individual’s symptoms, drug use, and medical history.

Once the individual is admitted to a hospital, treatment may involve supportive care such as oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and intravenous fluids to maintain vital functions. In some cases, a medication called flumazenil may be used to reverse the effects of the barbiturate.

Prevention of Barbiturate Overdose

The best way to prevent a barbiturate overdose is to avoid misuse of the drug. If you are prescribed a barbiturate, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and do not take more than the prescribed dose. Do not combine the drug with other CNS depressants, such as alcohol or opioids, and do not share your medication with others.

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Inpatient Drug Rehab for Barbiturates Abuses

There isn’t one treatment approach or style that will suit everyone. Treatment should speak to the needs of the individual. Inpatient drug and alcohol rehab and addiction treatment aren’t just about drug and alcohol use. the goal is to help the patient stop using barbiturates. Drug and alcohol rehab should also focus on the whole person’s needs.

Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior. When someone or their family is considering different treatment facilities, they should account for the complexity of addiction and the needs of the individual. The objective of attending an inpatient drug and alcohol rehab center for addiction treatment is to stop using the drug and re-learn how to live a productive life without it.

Most people benefit from inpatient rehab after a full medical detox from drugs and alcohol. Inpatient drug rehab can last anywhere from 28 days to several months. Patients stay overnight in the rehab facility and participate in intensive treatment programs and therapy. Once someone completes rehab, their addiction treatment team will create an aftercare addiction treatment program, including continuing therapy and participation in a 12-step program like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

Psychotherapy 

Many rehab programs will also have early morning classes or programs. Group sessions occur during inpatient rehab, as do individual therapy sessions. Family therapy may be part of inpatient rehab when it’s feasible. Alternative forms of therapy may be introduced during inpatient rehab, like a holistic therapy programyoga for addiction recovery, or addiction treatment massage therapy.

Several different modalities of psychotherapy have been used in the treatment of mental health disorders along with addiction, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – is an effective treatment that involves changing both the patterns of negative thoughts and the behavioral routines which are affecting the daily life of the depressed person for various forms of depression.
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) – is a comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment program whose ultimate goal is to aid patients in their efforts to build a life worth living. The main goal of DBT is to help a person develop what is referred to as a “clear mind.” 
  • Solution-focused therapy is an approach interested in solutions that can be quickly implemented with a simple first step leading to further positive consequences.
Treatment begins with recognizing there is a problem. Once you decide you want to do something about your drug use, the next step is to get help and support.
Barbiturate overdose treatment. Addiction treatment begins with recognizing there is a problem. Once you decide you want to do something about your drug use, the next step is to get help and support.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Drug abuse and mental health disorders often co-occur. In many cases, traumatic experiences can result in a mental health disorder and substance abuse. Dual diagnosis rehabilitation treats both of these issues together. The best approach for the treatment of dual diagnosis is an integrated system. This strategy treats both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder simultaneously. Regardless of which diagnosis (mental health or substance abuse problem) came first, long-term recovery will depend mainly on the treatment for both diseases done by the same team or provider.

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Drug and alcohol addiction is a condition that can cause major health problems, such as an overdose. We Level Up NJ rehab treatment & detox center can provide you, or someone you love, the tools to recover from this with professional and safe treatment. Feel free to call us to speak with one of our counselors. We can inform you about this condition and give you clarity about issues like barbiturate withdrawal symptoms. Our specialists know what you are going through. Please know that each call is private and confidential.

  1. What is barbiturate overdose?

    Whats a barbiturate overdose? Barbiturate overdose occurs when someone takes an excessive amount of barbiturates, which are a type of sedative-hypnotic drug that depress the central nervous system. Barbiturates can be prescribed for a range of medical conditions, such as epilepsy and anxiety, but they are also often abused for their sedative effects.

  2. What are some common barbiturate overdose symptoms?

    Barbiturate overdose can cause a range of symptoms, including consfusion, drowsiness, sow or irregular heartbeat, impaired coordination, coma, and death. It’s important to note that the severity of symptoms can vary depending on the amount of barbiturates ingested and the individual’s tolerance to the drug.

  3. What causes accidental barbiturate overdose?

    Accidental barbiturate overdose can occur for a number of reasons, including taking too much of the drug: Barbiturates can be highly addictive, and individuals may take more of the drug than they should, thinking that it will produce a stronger effect.

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Sources

[1] Barbiturate intoxication and overdose: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia – https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000951.htm/

[2] Drug Fact Sheet: Barbituates (dea.gov) – https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Barbiturates-2020_0.pdf/ Tags: barbiturates overdose

[3] Prescription CNS Depressants DrugFacts | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (nih.gov) – https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-cns-depressants/ Tags:

[4] Barbiturate Street Names & Toxicity – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov) – Suddock JT, Cain MD. Barbiturate Toxicity. [Updated 2022 Jul 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499875/ Tags: barbiturate overdose meaning / barbiturates overdose

[5] Drug Scheduling (dea.gov) – https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling/ Tags: barbiturates overdose

[6] Prescription Medicines | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (nih.gov) – https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/prescription-medicines/ Tags:

[7] Prescription Drug Abuse – PMC (nih.gov) – Prescription drug abuse. P T. 2008 May;33(5):298. PMID: 19561794; PMCID: PMC2683603./

[8] Summary of Misuse of Prescription Drugs | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (nih.gov) – https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/misuse-prescription-drugs/overview

[9] Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics – NCDAS – https://drugabusestatistics.org/prescription-drug-abuse-statistics/ Tags: barbiturate overdose meaning / barbiturates overdose

[10] Dangers Of Barbiturate Withdrawals & Effective Treatment Options (welevelup.com) – https://welevelup.com/addiction/barbiturate-withdrawal/