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barbiturates-oral

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GENERIC NAME: BARBITURATES - ORAL

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: This medication is used for seizure disorders. It is also used as a short-term sleep aid (for insomnia), and for tension relief (e.g., before a medical procedure).

HOW TO USE: Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. For insomnia, take 30 to 60 minutes prior to bedtime. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for a longer period of time, do not suddenly stop using this without first consulting your doctor. When used for extended periods, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Consult your doctor if the medication is not working well.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication causes drowsiness and dizziness. Other side effects may include stomach upset, headache, weakness, grogginess or dreaming. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: chest pain, rapid heart rate, nosebleeds, confusion, hallucinations. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially about: liver problems, blood disorders (porphyria), asthma, any allergies. Avoid alcohol while taking this as it can lead to extreme drowsiness. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Elderly persons are usually more sensitive to the effects of this medication. Use cautiously. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this drug. This drug is excreted into breast milk though its effects on the nursing infant are unknown. Consult your doctor before you breast-feed.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), epilepsy medicine, cyclosporine, medication for depression, St John's wort. Also inform your doctor if you take any drugs that may cause drowsiness such as: narcotic pain medicines (e.g., codeine), antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), muscle relaxants, alcoholic beverages. Barbiturates can decrease the effectiveness of oral birth control pills. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about using other birth control methods. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.