Amobarbital
About Amobarbital
This belongs to the group of medicines known as barbiturates.
It is used to treat severe insomnia (difficulty sleeping).
Amobarbital is also sometimes known as amylobarbitone. You may notice the use of either name on the packaging of your medicine.
Amobarbital is available in capsule and tablet form.
It is also sometimes known as: Amytal; Sodium Amytal. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.
Before Taking Amobarbital
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 Amobarbital
- Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
- Take your medicine just before going to bed.
- Important: Do not stop taking Amobarbital 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 Amobarbital 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.
- Amobarbital 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 Amobarbital. 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 Amobarbital.
Can Amobarbital 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 Amobarbital
- 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: 01/02/2005
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest.
Find out more about updating.
Advert
Related pages in Patient UK
Your Experience (^ top of page)
Please add your experience about this condition / medicine View Patient Experience for 'Amobarbital' (1 there)Health Topic information leaflets related to this topic (^ top of page)
Insomnia - Sleeping TabletsMedicine & Drug information leaflets related to this topic (^ top of page)
ButobarbitalPatientPlus articles related to this topic (^ top of page)
Barbiturates (Phenobarbital and other Barbiturates)Patient UK Newspaper (^ top of page)
Recent related news items
Fact-finding fluidLatest Health News
View current health newsRelated Products (^ top of page)
Medical equipment
Pill/Tablet Equipment
Books
Other - Useful resources (^ top of page)
Pictures, diagrams, photos, images, etc.Evidence based medicine
Online textbooks and journals
UK Guidelines
Online Videos
Medline
Other good health sites
Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control over the content of any external links above. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.
Want to advertise on this site? Find out how >>
Here you can follow a link to view existing patient experiences on this subject, or to add your own
This will offer you the usual PDF options i.e. document navigation, search, zoom and formatted print
Note: this is the best way to print the document
Note: this will open in a new window
Note: this will open in a new window