Barbiturate Overdose: Symptoms, Treatment, and More

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Barbiturate overdose is a common mishap that can lead to several issues, including death in extreme cases. It’s crucial to not use it without any prescription or medical needs. Want to learn more about its symptoms, overdose effects, treatments, and other things? Read further to learn about different aspects of barbiturates.

What is Barbiturate?

It is a sedative medication that includes pentobarbital, secobarbital, Phenobarbital, and butalbnital. Barbiturate has historically been used as sedating anesthetics and hypnotic (sleep-inducing agents). They are commonly used to manage several conditions, ranging from headaches to seizure disorders.

You can find them in the form of liquid solutions and tablets. The long-term effects of using barbiturates are unknown. But the short-term dangers of misuse of barbiturates may include disorientation, slowed breathing, fatigue, problems with memory and concentration, and slurred speech.

Barbiturate is also largely used for non-medical purposes without a prescription by a medical expert. If you are taking barbiturates non-medically, you have a great risk of getting an overdose, especially if you are using other drugs like central nervous system depressants with it.

How Do Barbiturates Work?

Barbiturate works by affecting nerve impulses in your central nervous system. It occurs due to the increased activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) after taking barbiturate drugs. Note that GABA is a form of brain chemical with sedative effects. Therefore, when GABA increases in your body, it causes a depressive and overwhelming impact on the brain. Therefore, it can also lead to intoxication.

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Usage of Barbiturate

Barbiturate is usually used for psychological and neurological treatments. Some common uses of barbiturates include:

Treat Anxiety

Barbiturate medications are taken in low doses to treat anxiety. They have therapeutic effects on tension and anxiety. This is because of the barbiturate’s soothing effects on your central nervous system.

Manage Epilepsy and Seizures

Barbiturates can treat epileptic disorders and seizures. And they have lower side effects for seizures.

Work as Pre-Anesthesia

Barbiturates, such as thiamylal and thiopental, are also used as anesthesia for some patients. They can make medical surgeries and other procedures easier for doctors.

Helps With Insomnia

It is a sleep disorder characterized by staying asleep or difficulty falling asleep. Barbiturate medications can help you control your nervous system, which eventually helps you sleep better and for longer.

Supports Euthanasia

Doctors recommend large doses of barbiturates for terminally people to help them die peacefully. These drugs are also used on pets to eliminate the suffering of animals when they are at the end of their lives.

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Signs and Symptoms of Barbiturate Overdose

Some of the common signs of barbiturate overdose are:

  • Dilated pupils
  • Shallow breathing
  • Clammy skin
  • Coma
  • Respiratory failure
  • Rapid and weak pulse

If you notice any of these symptoms, you need to consult a medical expert immediately for help.

Types of Barbiturate

Secobarbital

It is a short-acting barbiturate that acts as a relaxant to help people with severe health conditions. This drug is also commonly known as downers and devils.

Phenobarbital

This drug is used to treat insomnia, anxiety, seizures, epilepsy and other disorders. Doctors also use them to suppress withdrawal symptoms to treat addiction.

Pentobarbital

It is used as a pre-anesthetic for surgery and treating insomnia. This drug is also used to help euthanasia in animals, especially dogs. Some common street names for these drugs are abbots and jackets.

Amobarbital

This barbiturate was synthesized in 1923 to use as a sedative. But this drug is still used to induce sleepiness in people who have insomnia. These drugs are also known as blue velvet, blue heavens, and blue devils.

What Can Lead To Barbiturate Overdose

Barbiturate overdose can be due to several factors, such as:

  • Using a drug in great amounts or more than prescribed
  • Used for non-medical purposes
  • Mixing barbiturates with opioids, alcohol, or other drugs
  • Using the drug for longer periods than it’s needed

Moreover, environment, age, and mental and physical health can lead to the risk of overdose. Before taking it, discussing your pre-existing health conditions with the health expert is crucial.

Responding to an Overdose of Barbiturate

If you believe an individual has overdosed on barbiturates, you need to immediately consult an expert, especially if you notice breathing problems. Additionally, having medical professionals on the scene can reduce the risk of dying after an overdose.  

Inform the concerned authorities if a barbiturate is used along with opioids so that the medical experts can treat an individual the right way. They will choose the right treatment for the person to improve their chances of survival. The doctors might also give naloxone, a drug that helps the person reverse the effects and regain consciousness of an opioid overdose. However, naloxone can’t reverse the coma that occurred due to barbiturates.

Emergency Medical Treatments

Emergency medical experts will choose different types of treatments for an individual showing barbiturate overdose symptoms, such as:

  • Airway support
  • Blood tests
  • Heart monitoring
  • IV fluids
  • Activated charcoal administration

When a person is admitted due to a barbiturate overdose, during the testament, the health expert team will continuously monitor an individual’s breathing and try to maintain oxygen levels and healthy blood pressure.

Also, to help quit an addiction, avoiding opting for a detox procedure by yourself is important. You need to consult a health expert to help you withdraw barbiturates. Medically assisted detox can make the process less painful and several for people taking barbiturates for extended periods. The health experts provide you with a secure environment and help you undergo different procedures that last about a week. The entire process will focus on making you stable, sober, and prepared for life after the treatment.  

Here are the two most common treatment methods used for addiction treatment.

Inpatient Rehab

It is one of the most severe types of addiction treatment. In the case of inpatient rehab, patients need to live in the rehabilitation center and undergo treatment for several days. Some treatment methods used are:

  • Individual therapy
  • Medicated-assisted therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Dual-diagnoses treatment
  • Family therapy

Patients who participate in inpatient treatment live with other struggling people like them. This offers support and hopes to recover patients.

Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient Rehab provides the same inpatient treatments but with less intensity. Patients attending outpatient rehab live at home and undergo treatment procedures for a few hours for few times a week.

Need Help?

Barbiturates are among the most common drugs people misuse in our country. This is because of its unique effects on your nervous system and overall body. It’s important to keep barbiturate overdose can lead to deadly results, so you can avoid or help others to stay away from this doctor. But thankfully, if you get addicted to barbiturates, you can always ask for help. 

Reach out to us if you need help to recover from drug addiction and live a healthy life without depending on drugs. Call us at (844) 964-2770

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Stephen Carmel

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I began my journey to recovery back in 2011 when i moved to California from New York.Along with my recovery and beginning a new way of life, I began to develop a heart for others struggling with sobriety.My journey to California was filled with many trials and lessons learned, but most of all, personal growth. I truly believe I would not have found success if I didn’t come to California.

I first opened an adult treatment center, California Prime Recovery(CPR) as a way to work with those struggling on a daily basis. Over the last 3 years, CPR has evolved into someting much more impactful and beautiful than i could’ve ever imagined. I have come to realize that my own happiness and growth depends on being involved in the lives of others in recovery. Helping people through recovery is a cornerstone of many 12 step programs, and it has become the most important aspect of personal life. Giving back to those still suffering is the only way not to lose what you have gained.

Throughout this journey, and by mentoring many adolescents, I realized i wanted to offer more to teens who were struggling just as i was. This is when i decided to start OC Revive. I had built many wonderful relationships throughout my professional journey and found two others who shared the same vision, and passion that i had for the youth. It didn’t take long for myself, Tyler Michaelis, and Derek Walsh to turn our dream into a reality. We are committed to providing the best possible treatment for adolescents and truly believe “their future is our collective responsibility”.

Derek Walsh

Co-Founder & COO

As Co-Founder & COO of OC Revive, Derek has a wealth of personal and professional experience dealing with the issues faced by today’s troubled teen. Throughout High School and College, Derek struggled with peer pressure, learning challenges, and substance abuse. Working with the support of family and friends, Derek set out to conquer those obstacles and find a richer, more fulfilling life.

On 15 October 2012, Derek overcame his own substance abuse problem and dedicated himself to help others work through their own addiction. A year later, Derek began a new journey and started his career in the recovery industry. Throughout his career, Derek has worked his way through numerous roles at top-rated treatment centers. While working at those treatment centers, Derek began to see a pattern that those struggling individuals would’ve benefited immensely from receiving earlier in life.

Derek decided that he wanted to be a part of the solution, and find a way to address those issues at an earlier age. He concluded that there needed to be interventions before adulthood, and he didn’t want to see anyone going through the same cycle that he did. That was when he and Tyler Michaelis decided to start OC Revive, to make sure teens get the help they need to find a purpose that leads them to a life of happiness and success.

Derek attended college at Orange Coast College and Santa Barbara City College.

Brittany Astrom

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Brittany joins the OCR team with over 15 years of experience in the Mental Health adn Substance Abuse field. Brittany has been licensed for almost 8 years and has worked in various settings throughout her career, including inpatient psychiatric treatment, outpatient, residential treatment center, PHP and IOP settings. Brittany has been supervising Associate Marrige and Family Therapists and Associate Social Workers for almost 6 years and works in compiance and auditing to ensure that treatment centers are up to par with biling regulations. Brittany has worked with young adults and adolescents for most of her career.

Brittany earned her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at California Baptist International University. Brittany enjoys working with adolescents and young adults and believes that ever single person has the ability to set goals and meet them, even when they can’t see it themselves. Brittany loves spending time with her family, traveling, good coffee, and being outdoors.

Patrick R. Smith

Program Director

Patrick is amental health and addiction professional that has a passion for recovery and helping others. He was inspired and encouraged by his mentors to work with individuals and families that have been affected by mental health issues, alcohol and drug addiction. He ahs been working in the field of addiction recovery for 19+ years and is an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor through the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals. Patrick is also certified in Adult and Adolescent Anger Management. His Career in addiction treatment began in 2001 at the Betty Ford Center i Rancho Mirage CA. as an Addiction Specialist working on the inpatient campus and is the co-creator of Betty Ford Center’s “Young Adult Track” specializing in work with 18-25 year old Patients. he also excelled in working with addicted and impaired professionals in the “Replase and Recovery Program”.

Patrick transitioned to Orange County in 2011 where he accepted a position as the Program Director for Orange County Recovery Services. Patrick is a gifted lecturer, group facilitator and counselor with a pssion for reocery that has been an active recovery member for over 25 years.

Anthony Fletcher

Director Of Business Development

Anthony is an Orange County local and has been a great addition to the Oc Revive team. Since 2015, Anthony has been working in the substance abuse field and has also pursued his drug and alcohol counseling license. Since being with Revive Anthony has established a relationship within the School Districts and serves as a voluntary speaker for substance abuse awareness in the community. By sharing his personal testimony, he has excelled in gaining trust and building rapport with others. He always seems to have a smile on his face and brings a positive vibe wherever he goes. With that being said, Anthony is very passionate about the work that he does and goes above and beyond to provide our struggling youth the care that they so desperately need.

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Tyler Michaelis

Founder & CEO

Tyler is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to teens and their families. Once a teenager that struggled with addiction, mental health, and poor choices, Tyler is aware of the growing demand and need for early intervention in adolescents and young adults. Growing up in Orange County, he battled addiction and peer pressure all throughout high school and during his time at Saddleback College. During those troubled years, Tyler’s parents and family were emotionally drained and heavily impacted by his addiction. Unfortunately, they did not know where to turn for help nor did they have the courage to set boundaries with him.After 7 painful years, they finally forced Tyler out of the house and into treatment at the age of 23.

April 5th, 2010 is a date that Tyler and his family hold dear. On that date, Tyler enrolled in a 4-month treatment program which laid the foundation for his recovery. With the help of treatment professionals, supportive friends and family, Tyler was able to build a better version of himself. This started with slowly building his self-esteem, and growing a community of peers to support him throughout recovery.

In 2011,with the desire to help others struggling with addiction, he decided to start working in the addiction field. Tyler obtained his CADAC || Counselor certification and graduated from Cal Sate University of Long Beach with a degree in Health Care Administration. Since then, Tyler has worked all areas of treatment starting as a detox technician and working his way up to Program Director. Today, Tyler feels blessed and grateful for getting a second chanse at life. He has a great relationship with his family, is happily married and has a great group of friends. Once a lost teen, Tyler now has purpose and passion. He’s dedicated his life’s work to helping teens and their families. As the Founder, Tyler Michaelis is confident that OC Revive will renew the lives of struggling teens while bringing back hope to their families

Christina Gherman

Therapist

Tylor Ramsey

Therapist

Patrick Fernandez-Her

AMFT Therapist

Jamie Nelson

Case Manager

Alejandro Alva, M.D.

Medical Director

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Tyler Michaelis

Founder & CEO

Tyler is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to teens and their families. Once a teenager that struggled with addiction, mental health, and poor choices, Tyler is aware of the growing demand and need for early intervention in adolescents and young adults. Growing up in Orange County, he battled addiction and peer pressure all throughout high school and during his time at Saddleback College. During those troubled years, Tyler’s parents and family were emotionally drained and heavily impacted by his addiction. Unfortunately, they did not know where to turn for help nor did they have the courage to set boundaries with him.After 7 painful years, they finally forced Tyler out of the house and into treatment at the age of 23.

April 5th, 2010 is a date that Tyler and his family hold dear. On that date, Tyler enrolled in a 4-month treatment program which laid the foundation for his recovery. With the help of treatment professionals, supportive friends and family, Tyler was able to build a better version of himself. This started with slowly building his self-esteem, and growing a community of peers to support him throughout recovery.

In 2011,with the desire to help others struggling with addiction, he decided to start working in the addiction field. Tyler obtained his CADAC || Counselor certification and graduated from Cal Sate University of Long Beach with a degree in Health Care Administration. Since then, Tyler has worked all areas of treatment starting as a detox technician and working his way up to Program Director. Today, Tyler feels blessed and grateful for getting a second chanse at life. He has a great relationship with his family, is happily married and has a great group of friends. Once a lost teen, Tyler now has purpose and passion. He’s dedicated his life’s work to helping teens and their families. As the Founder, Tyler Michaelis is confident that OC Revive will renew the lives of struggling teens while bringing back hope to their families