Amytal (Amobarbital) Addiction

If you or someone you love is struggling with Amytal addiction, learn how to get help for it today.

Table of contents

Understanding Amytal (Amobarbital)
Signs and Symptoms of Amobarbital Addiction
Amobarbital Addiction Side Effects
Amytal Overdose and Withdrawal
Amobarbital Addiction Treatment
Resources

Understanding Amytal (Amobarbital)

The sedative and anticonvulsant drug Amytal (amobarbital) is often abused for its euphoric effects. People addicted to Amytal may take it in large doses or use it repeatedly to achieve the desired high. Abusing Amytal can have serious consequences, including addiction, overdose, and death. If you or someone you know is struggling with an Amytal addiction, seek help right away. There are many treatment options available that can help you achieve recovery.

Drug and alcohol addiction is a worldwide public health crisis. In the United States, approximately 19% of Americans 12 and older have used illegal drugs or misused prescription drugs within the past year. Amytal, a prescription sedative, accounts for about 5% of substance use in the United States.¹

THINKING ABOUT TREATMENT?

Our knowledgeable team is ready to discuss your situation and options with no obligation required.
Call Us Anytime: 1-866-754-0180

CALL US NOW

What Is Amobarbital?

This drug appears as a white crystal-like solid with zero odor and a mildly bitter taste. Amytal or amobarbital belongs to a class of barbiturates with sedative-hypnotic effects.²

Amobarbital is a central nervous system depressant used by medical providers to treat insomnia, administer routine sedation or anesthesia, and relieve anxiety.²

Is Amobarbital a Controlled Drug?

Yes, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) considers amobarbital a controlled drug. Amobarbital, the Amytal generic, is a Schedule II controlled substance.²

How Is Amobarbital Taken?

Amobarbital is not available commercially in the United States. Due to its highly addictive nature, the injection is only administered by physicians in medical settings for short-term use.²

Signs and Symptoms of Amobarbital Addiction

Individuals who struggle with amobarbital addiction are most often trying to achieve relaxation or escape their thoughts and feelings.³ The following sections will describe physical and behavioral signs of Amytal addiction, and if you or someone you love is exhibiting these signs, seek professional help.

Physical Signs of Amytal Addiction

The physical signs and symptoms of amobarbital addiction include issues such as drowsiness, slurred speech, lack of coordination, involuntary eye movements, slowed breathing, and dizziness.³

Behavioral Signs of Amytal Addiction

Behavioral signs and symptoms of amobarbital addiction can include euphoric feelings, lack of inhibition, depression, and thoughts of self-harm. People in active amobarbital addiction may participate in risky behaviors, get into legal trouble, and stop taking care of their responsibilities at work, home, or school.³

Amytal also brings about a number of side effects. Read on to learn more about the short-term and long-term effects of amobarbital.

Amobarbital Addiction Side Effects

During amobarbital addiction, a person’s bodily functions slow down significantly. Since Amytal addiction sedates a person, its effects are very similar to alcohol. Read on to learn about the short-term effects and chronic issues associated with amobarbital addiction.⁴

Short-Term Effects of Amytal Addiction

Short-term amobarbital side effects can include calmness, muscle relaxation, slurred speech, poor judgment, difficulty breathing, and staggering. Individuals using Amytal can also suffer from the consequences of driving under the influence or operating heavy machinery.⁴

Chronic Issues

Long-term Amytal abuse can result in unconsciousness, memory loss, accidental death, physical dependence, psychological dependence, and withdrawal symptoms stemming from Amytal abuse.⁴

Other Health Risks

When Amytal is misused and abused, the health risks are exponential. Amytal should only be administered under the direct supervision of a medical professional. When individuals use barbiturates illicitly, they could have medical conditions that make this drug unsafe.

Self-administered doses are hazardous and can be lethal. If a pregnant woman is addicted to Amytal, their baby may develop congenital disabilities or behavioral problems. The baby can also suffer from Amytal withdrawal symptoms after being born.⁴

Amytal Overdose and Withdrawal

Barbiturates like Amytal are responsible for about one-third of drug-related deaths in the United States. When a person takes a dose of Amytal, they experience Amytal symptoms like confusion and may accidentally take another dose.

Dosing without medical guidance can lead to Amytal overdose and accidental death. When people combine Amytal with alcohol, they’re more likely to experience serious amobarbital side effects.⁴ The following sections will identify symptoms of overdose and withdrawal signs to be aware of.

Amytal Overdose Symptoms

Most Amytal overdoses involve a mixture of drugs and alcohol. For instance, people struggling with addiction often combine barbiturates with alcohol or opiates, including fentanyl, heroin, and oxycodone. Some people who experience overdose have just started using and don’t fully realize the severe consequences of combining these substances. In other situations, experienced users will combine multiple illicit substances to alter their consciousness.⁵

Amytal overdose symptoms can include staggering, sluggishness, slurred speech, shallow breathing, drowsiness, and an altered level of consciousness. If you suspect an Amytal overdose, contact emergency services immediately. If a person receives prompt medical intervention, they’re more likely to have a positive outcome following an overdose.⁵

Amytal Withdrawal Symptoms and Dangers

Along with alcohol and benzodiazepines, barbiturates like Amytal are CNS depressants. Withdrawal symptoms of these substances include vomiting, nausea, restlessness, anxiety, seizure, cramps, hyper-restlessness, tremors, and jerks. It’s crucial to seek appropriate amobarbital detox care because Amytal withdrawals can be life-threatening.

Amobarbital Addiction Treatment

Amytal rehab can occur in various settings, including hospitals, medical withdrawal units, inpatient programs, and outpatient treatment centers. If opiates are involved in an Amytal overdose, naloxone or Narcan can be administered to restore breathing. However, for barbiturates like Amytal, there is no antidote. Therefore, hospitals use treatments like activated charcoal, oxygen support, intravenous fluids, and medicine to treat Amytal overdoses.

Amobarbital Detox

If you need Amytal addiction treatment, medically supervised detoxification is usually the first step along your road to recovery. Detoxification programs can lessen the severity of symptoms to keep individuals comfortable while detoxing. An experienced clinical team is critical for Amytal addiction treatment and detox.

Inpatient Rehab

Residential inpatient or inpatient Amytal addiction treatment provides around-the-clock care for individuals with substance use disorders. During inpatient rehab, individuals establish their sobriety, learn coping skills, and follow individualized treatment plans.

Outpatient Rehab

Not everyone requires detox or inpatient Amytal addiction treatment. Some people begin their journey with outpatient treatment. The best way to determine which level of care is appropriate is to complete a substance use disorder assessment with a licensed professional. An outpatient program is an excellent tool for breaking free from addiction for many people.

Get The Help You Need Today at Concise Recovery

In Los Angeles, California, Concise Recovery offers world-class treatment services, including detoxification, residential inpatient, and outpatient programs. Caring treatment professionals come alongside their clients to provide support, unconditional positive regard, and evidence-based therapies. Contact our knowledgeable admissions team today to learn more about Concise Recovery’s services!

Los Angeles

1-888-978-5424

Free Consultation