Female patients using oral contraceptives should also use non-hormonal based contraceptives during therapy. These medications may cause drowsiness and should not be taken with alcohol or other CNS depressants. Patients who undergo prolonged therapy should not discontinue treatment abruptly as this may cause onset of seizure activity. The patient should be advised to take the prescribed medication as directed. The concomitant use of alcohol or other CNS depressants may produce additive CNS depressant effects that can cause death. Patients may experience CNS depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, GI disturbances, rashes, or some blood disorders that can be fatal. Barbiturates may harm the fetus during pregnancy. Nursing Considerations Across the Lifespanĭo not use for children less than 1 month of age. However, the abuse of barbiturates continues to occur with street use as a “downer” to counteract the effect of cocaine and methamphetamine.īarbiturates produce sedation and drowsiness by altering cerebellar function and depressing the actions of the brain and sensory cortex.īarbiturates are primarily used for sedation and seizures.
Barbiturates are a Schedule IV drug under the Federal Controlled Substances Act. In the 1960s and 1970s, barbiturates were used to treat anxiety and insomnia, but are no longer used for these purposes due to their serious adverse effects. In high doses it can be used to induce anesthesia, and overdosage can cause death. Phenobarbital is an example of a barbiturate primarily used as a sedative and to treat seizure disorders. Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are examples of CNS depressants.
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