There are some days when no matter how much you toss and turn in bed, you just can't sleep, right? Or sometimes, before surgery, doctors give you medicine to calm your mind and make you feel a little sleepy. One of the powerful drugs used in such cases is called Secobarbital. But this is a drug that should be used with great care. Let's talk about everything in simple terms today.
What is Secobarbital?
Simply put, secobarbital is a drug that belongs to a class of drugs called barbiturates . This type of drug works by slowing down the activity of our brain and nervous system. This is why we feel sleepy and calm down. This drug is most commonly used for:
- As a short-term treatment for insomnia .
- Calm the patient and induce drowsiness before surgery .
In Sri Lanka and various countries around the world, this medicine is available under the brand name Seconal . However, no matter what name it is, this is a medicine that should never be used without a doctor's prescription.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This is very important. Before you start taking secobarbital, you should discuss your complete health history with your doctor. This is because some medical conditions can make it dangerous to use this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Health condition or habit | Why should you inform the doctor ? (Simply) |
|---|---|
| Liver disease | This medicine is removed from the body by the liver. If the liver is weak, the medicine can accumulate in the body and become toxic. |
| Lung or breathing disease | Secobarbital slows breathing, which can be dangerous for someone who already has breathing problems. |
| If you drink alcohol frequently | The combination of alcohol and this medication can cause life-threatening effects such as excessive drowsiness and respiratory arrest. |
| If you have had depression or suicidal thoughts | This medication can sometimes make mental conditions worse. |
| If you have had a drug addiction | Secobarbital is also a drug that can be addictive, so the risk is high. |
| A disease called Porphyria | This is a rare genetic disease. Barbiturates can severely aggravate this disease. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | This medicine can harm the baby in the womb. |
| If the baby is breastfed | The medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk and cause excessive sleepiness in the baby. |
| If you have allergies to other medicines, foods, or substances | Be aware of the possibility of an allergy to secobarbital or its ingredients. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
The most important thing is to take the medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes, at the right time, and in the right dosage. Never increase or decrease the dose as you feel like it, or stop taking it prematurely.
- Swallow this capsule whole with a glass of water .
- If you have been given this to sleep, drink it before going to bed .
- If you are over 65 years old, you may feel the effects of this medicine more. Therefore, the doctor will usually prescribe a lower dose.
- If this medicine is given to children, it should only be done in very special circumstances, under the strict supervision of a doctor.
Very important: This medicine is for you only. Never give your medicine to anyone else. It is illegal and can be life-threatening.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take your medicine at the scheduled time, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more of this medicine than you should, it is an emergency! Do these things immediately:
1. Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
2. Alternatively, call the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Don't be alone at a time like this. Ask someone at home to seek medical advice immediately.
Other things that can interact with secobarbital (Interactions)
It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies) while taking this medication, as some medications can interact with secobarbital and cause dangerous side effects.
| Never take these with secobarbital! | |
|---|---|
| Other barbiturates | For example: Phenobarbital. Taking these together can cause excessive nervous system depression, coma, or even death. |
| Voriconazole | This is an antifungal medication. It may interact with secobarbital. |
| Alcohol | The combination of these two can cause very dangerous consequences such as slowed breathing and loss of consciousness. |
| Talk to your doctor about these too. | |
|---|---|
| Antihistamines | Allergy medications. These can increase drowsiness. |
| Medications for mental illness | Medications for depression and anxiety. |
| Narcotic pain medicines | Strong painkillers can increase drowsiness and breathing difficulties. |
| Birth control pills | Secobarbital may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. |
| Warfarin | A blood thinner. Its effectiveness may be affected. |
| Types of steroids (steroid medicines) | For example: prednisone. |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to consider when taking the medicine
Unusual actions upon waking from sleep
This may sound a little strange, but it is something that happens to some people who take this medication. Imagine, you take this medication at night and go to sleep. But without even realizing it, you wake up, maybe drive a car ("sleep-driving"), cook and eat, or make phone calls to someone. The scariest thing is, the next morning you won't remember any of this!
If you notice this happening to you, talk to your doctor immediately. Also, drinking alcohol or taking other sleeping pills the night before taking this medication increases this risk.
Drug tolerance and discontinuation
When you take this medicine for a long time, your body gets used to it. This does not mean that you are addicted to the medicine. Addiction is the urge to use a medicine for non-medical reasons.
However, because your body has become accustomed to the medication, if you suddenly stop taking it, you may have a severe reaction. Therefore, if your doctor feels the need to stop the medication, he will gradually reduce the dosage .
Drowsiness and dizziness
This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Be careful, especially if you are elderly, as you may feel dizzy or fall when you stand up or sit up too quickly.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medication, secobarbital can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are mild.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergy symptoms | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Slow or difficult breathing. |
| Blisters or sores on the skin | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Liver problems | Yellowing of the eyes or skin. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Easy bruising or bleeding that won't stop. |
| Mental changes | Seeing things that are not visible (Hallucination), severe confusion. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Drowsiness, fatigue | Headache |
| Dizziness, difficulty walking | Constipation |
| Nightmares | Nausea, vomiting |
Take-Home Message
- Secobarbital is a very powerful drug given for insomnia and before surgery.
- Just use the prescribed dosage as your doctor tells you . Never change it at your own discretion.
- Never drink alcohol while taking this medicine. It is very dangerous.
- Be careful about unusual things like waking up and driving or eating. If this happens, inform your doctor immediately.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others. It could be life-threatening.
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