Secobarbital

About Secobarbital

This belongs to the group of medicines known as barbiturates.

It is used to treat severe insomnia (difficulty sleeping).

Secobarbital is sometimes also known as Quinalbarbitone. You may notice the use of either name on the packaging of your medicine.

Secobarbital is available in capsule form.

It is also sometimes known as: Seconal. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Secobarbital

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if the reason you are unable to sleep is because you are in pain
• if you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder)
• if you suffer from liver, kidney or breathing problems
• if you have ever had a problem with drug or alcohol abuse
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to Take Secobarbital

• Take this medicine at bedtime, exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Important: Do not stop taking Secobarbital without speaking with your doctor first. Your doctor will want to reduce the dose that you are taking gradually, as stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Secobarbital contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty. Signs of an overdose can include severe drowsiness and weakness, loss of co-ordination, slurred speech, confusion, breathing difficulties and a sudden drop in body temperature.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. Your doctor may want to adjust the dose that you are taking.
• Secobarbital can cause drowsiness and dizziness which can continue to the following day. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Alcohol increases drowsiness. Try to avoid alcohol while you are being treated with Secobarbital. If you do drink alcohol, drink only a little and be aware of its effects on you.
• If you wish to buy any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your doctor or pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Secobarbital.

Can Secobarbital cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Drowsiness, dizziness, shakiness, headache, breathing problems or confusion.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Secobarbital

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 25/04/2005