WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Barbiturates, also called sedatives or ""downers,'' are
often prescribed to decrease nervousness or to help you sleep
better. However, using them for a long time or taking more than
the recommended amount can lead to addiction or dependency.
You'll begin to feel that you must have more of the drug; and
if you abruptly stop taking it, you'll become physically
ill. Long-term abuse of barbiturates can interfere with
your ability to function. You'll find you have trouble
thinking, talking, walking, and remembering things; and you'll
run the risk of dying from an overdose.
To kick this habit, you need to gradually reduce your
intake under medical supervision. Attempting to go ""cold
turkey'' on your own could be difficult and even
dangerous.
Causes
Taking a barbiturate for several
months or years, or taking larger doses than prescribed, will
lead to physical addiction. Pregnant women who take these drugs
can pass the addiction to their babies.
Signs/Symptoms
If you abuse barbiturates, you
may feel sleepy; have trouble thinking, talking and walking;
and develop bruises on your arms and legs from falling. The
longer you keep taking the drug, the more you will feel you
need it. If you stop taking the drug, you'll have symptoms of
withdrawal. The first effects of withdrawal are
restlessness, weakness, and shakiness. Later, you may feel
nervous and develop insomnia, an upset stomach, vomiting,
sweating, or sensitivity to bright lights or loud noises.
Sudden withdrawal sometimes leads to hallucinations and
seizures.
Care
Your doctor may slowly reduce the amount of barbiturates
you take each day. During this period, you may need to stay in
the hospital. Counseling can help you kick this habit. Your
doctor can prescribe medications to ease the withdrawal
symptoms.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
If prescribed a barbiturate, be careful to follow
your doctor's instructions. Do not increase the dose or
take the drug any longer than absolutely
necessary.
-
The first step to quitting is to admit you have a
problem. Be honest and open with family and close friends.
Ask for their help.
-
Don't try to stop taking the drug all at once. You
will need medical help to get you through a gradual
withdrawal period.
-
Tell your doctor exactly how much of the drug you
have been taking. Also tell your doctor if you are taking
any other medications. Don't hesitate to be honest. Doctors
are familiar with the problem.
-
Support-group meetings and counseling can help you
quit. Take advantage of both.
-
Eat a healthy diet, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a
day, and get plenty of rest.
-
Don't smoke or drink coffee or alcohol. They can make
you nervous and increase your withdrawal
symptoms.
-
Don't dwell on the problem. Find new things to do.
Get out of the house every day. Go for walks
outside.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You cannot fight the need to take more drugs. Call
your doctor, a counselor, friend, or family member you
trust RIGHT AWAY.
-
You feel your problems are getting the best of you
and you can't deal with them on your
own.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You have chest pain, sweating, or trouble
breathing.
-
You develop an urge to hurt yourself or someone
else.
-
You get a severe headache or develop pain, a numb or
prickly feeling, or burning in your arms or
legs.
-
You have hallucinations, pass out, or have a
seizure.
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