Phenobarbital Withdrawal Symptoms and Detox

Phenobarbital withdrawal treatment is necessary if a person becomes addicted to this drug. Phenobarbital is a barbiturate that slows down brain activity. It is commonly used to help minimize seizures in people with epilepsy and other seizure-causing conditions.

In some cases, Phenobarbital is used to help people who are addicted to other barbiturates to successfully detox from the drugs. One of the most dangerous properties of Phenobarbital is that the effects of it diminish with prolonged use. This increases the chance that an addict will overdose on the drug in an attempt to get “high” from using the drug. Even a person who has prescribed Phenobarbital for a legitimate medical reason can become addicted to the drug.

Side Effects of Using Phenobarbital

There are numerous side effects of using Phenobarbital. By using this drug as directed, you minimize the chance of having to cope with these side effects. Some of the most common Phenobarbital side effects include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Vomiting
  • Upset stomach
  • Depression
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness

In addition to those common side effects, there are some more severe side effects of using these drugs. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should seek urgent medical attention. The severe symptoms include:

  • Memory lapse
  • Muscle aches
  • Twitches
  • Nightmares
  • Constipation
  • Joint pain

Withdrawing from Phenobarbital Treatment Methods and Options for Help

Oftentimes, withdrawing from Phenobarbital involves taking Phenobarbital; however, the withdrawal treatment plan is done as an inpatient program. When the addict checks in at the treatment facility, he or she is evaluated to determine the severity of the addiction.

The severity of the Phenobarbital addiction determines the length of treatment, as well as the weaning schedule to get the addict off the drug. In most cases, an addict can complete the withdrawal phase of the rehab program is approximately two weeks.

During this phase, the amount of Phenobarbital the addict gets is reduced each day. In some cases, the medical staff may opt to use a different drug to help the addict detox.

There are some Phenobarbital withdrawal symptoms that may occur during the detox phase. These include:

  • Muscle tremors
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Restlessness
  • Fatigue
  • Flu-like symptoms (aches, fever, runny nose, watery eyes)

Most of the symptoms an addict goes through during the withdrawal phase are easily controlled with medical interventions. In some cases, the addict won’t even need anything other than rest, a good diet and some light exercise or stretching routines.

Throughout the withdrawal process, medical professionals and recovery specialists keep a close eye on the addict. This is done in part to monitor the progress of the detox phase; however, it is also done so that the staff can get an idea of how the addict copes with various types of stress.

While outpatient programs for a Phenobarbital addiction aren’t common, there are some available. If you have a job that doesn’t allow you to get off of work for detox and rehab, an outpatient program may be a good fit for you. Remember that in order to be successful with an outpatient program, you must stay committed to every aspect of the program. Having a strong support system can make successfully completing an outpatient program a lot easier.


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Detoxing, Addiction Treatment Rehab and Recovery

When the addict has detoxed and is completely free from the Phenobarbital, the rehab phase starts. During this phase, the recovering addict works with a treatment team to discover the reasons why the addict thought abusing Phenobarbital was necessary. Once this is determined, the recovering addict along with the treatment team can determine the best ways for the recovering addict to cope with those reasons.

Family members are usually included in the treatment plan for Phenobarbital abuse. The members of the treatment team work closely with the family members and the recovering addict to determine the best way to help put the family back together. This part of rehab may take a while, as those affected by the Phenobarbital addiction need time to heal and forgive the addict.

With the help of his or her support system, the recovering addict will slowly work toward building a new life. This life is one of sobriety. The recovering addict must learn how to work, hang out with friends and have a good time without the need to include Phenobarbital. Keeping the concepts learned during the Phenobarbital withdrawal treatment program and rehab program may help the recovering addict to stay clean and sober for a long time to come.

Phenobarbital Information at a Glance
Medication Name, Costs Class of Medicine
  • Generic Name: Phenobarbital
  • Generic Name Variations: Phenobarbitone
  • Chemical Name: 5-Ethyl -5-phenylbarbituric acid
  • Brand Name: Luminal, Solfoton
  • Brand Name Variations: N/A
  • Cost/Price: Varies
  • Used to Treat Addiction?
  • Function or Use at Low Dose:
  • Function or Use at High Dose:
  • Chemical Makeup: C12H12N2O3
  • System: Barbiturates
  • Duration of Action: Varies
Form, Intake and Dosage Interactions and Complications
  • Drug Forms: Tablet, elixir
  • Administration Routes: Orally ingested, injected
  • Dosage: 15-100 mg
  • Overdose: Varies
  • Alcohol Interaction: May cause respiratory distress and even death
  • Illicit Drugs: May cause respiratory distress and even death
  • Prescription Medications: Please speak to a physician before mixing Phenobarbital with other prescriptions
  • Contraindications: Pregnant women, asthma, history of liver damage, kidney disease, depression
Effects and Adverse Reactions Substance Abuse
  • Short-Term: Respiratory distress, depression, kidney damage, liver damage, feeling light-headed, fever, sore throat
  • Long-Term: Severe kidney damage, severe liver damage,
  • Risk of Substance Abuse: Moderate
  • Signs of Abuse: Lack of social interactions, paranoia, trouble breathing, a constant state of detachment
Physiological Problem Signs and Symptoms Dependence and Addiction Issues
  • Withdrawal Syndrome Onset:
  • Withdrawal Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting,
  • Tolerance: Can be easily built up
  • Cross Dependence: Yes
  • Physical Dependence: Moderate to low
  • Psychological Dependence: Low
Legal Schedules and Ratings
  • Controlled Substances Act Rating: Schedule IV

Questions and Answers (FAQ)

How Long Do Phenobarbital Withdrawals Last?

There is no established medical timeline for Phenobarbital withdrawal. The duration of withdrawal may last a few days or a few weeks. The length of withdrawal will depend on the amount and length that a person has been using Phenobarbital.

Do You Have a List Popular Slang or Street Names for Phenobarbital?

Barbs, reds, red birds, tooies, phennies

Are There any Home Remedies for Getting Clean Safely?

While some users may be able to detox using a home remedy, it is important that all users speak to a qualified medical professional before beginning any sort of natural detoxification. A physician may suggest an alternative route in the form of a professional detoxification center. While this may not be the type of relief that some users are looking for, because of the possible side effects of Phenobarbital, it may be necessary to seek more help than was expected.

Users who seek out a detox center will find that the staff may be able to ease the pain of many of the painful withdrawal symptoms. They will also be able to relieve the patient if any medical complications arise. For this reason, it is highly recommended that a medical counsel is sought out before beginning detox.

How Long Does it Take to Detox from Phenobarbital?

There are many different options for detoxification centers when becoming clean from Phenobarbital. In general, it will take the drugs 24-72 hours to leave the body’s system. After that, a patient may still be experiencing withdrawal or addiction side effects and may need to seek an addiction recovery program. If you or someone you love is ready to stop using Phenobarbital and take their life back, please call today or visit our locator page. Help is closer than you might think.



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