Phenobarbital Overdose

Phenobarbital is a prescription drug sold under the brand name Luminal. It belongs to a class of drugs called barbiturates. It is approved to treat seizure disorders and works by slowing down activity in the brain. The Drug Enforcement Administration lists phenobarbital as a schedule IV controlled substance because of the potential for misuse and resulting dependence.

People misusing this medication often underestimate the dangers of phenobarbital side effects. Misuse of phenobarbital can cause reduced inhibitions, poor coordination, sleepiness, memory impairment, and ultimately phenobarbital addiction. Any misuse comes with the very real risk of overdose, and in severe cases, a phenobarbital lethal dose can be fatal.

Any central nervous system depressant like phenobarbital can be fatal if taken in large doses. The amount that will trigger an overdose varies by individual. Factors that affect overdose include the duration of misuse, degree of tolerance, and individual aspects of health. In anyone, a phenobarbital overdose can be deadly and requires immediate medical attention.

Common phenobarbital overdose symptoms include:

• Lethargy and drowsiness
• Loss of consciousness
• Impaired coordination and difficulty controlling movements
• Slurred speech
• Crossed eyes or random eye movements
• Hypothermia
• Irritability
• Impaired thinking
• Aggression
• Paranoia
• Slowed or stopped breathing
• Respiratory distress
• Slowed heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Coma

When phenobarbital is combined with another drug or substance that also acts as a sedative the risk of overdose is significantly increased. Mixing any barbiturate with another, with a benzodiazepine, with an opioid, or with alcohol is extremely dangerous.  This combination can lower the threshold for a phenobarbital lethal dose and magnify phenobarbital overdose symptoms. All of these substances cause depression of the central nervous system, and slowed breathing and heart rate. Combining them produces an additive effect on these dangerous complications.

Because phenobarbital overdose is a life-threatening emergency, immediate medical treatment is necessary. Emergency care that may be given includes using activated charcoal to absorb some of the drug, respiratory support with supplemental oxygen or a breathing machine, and intravenous fluids.

Treatment may require that the individual be kept under observation for a period of time. In some cases, the only care needed may be monitoring of vital signs. If opioids were involved in the overdose the patient may be given naloxone, an antidote that reverses the effects of opioids. However, there is no antidote for barbiturates, which makes phenobarbital overdose symptoms even more dangerous without immediate professional intervention.

With immediate medical treatment, most people will survive a phenobarbital overdose. However, one out of 10 people will die from a barbiturate overdose or a mixture of a barbiturate with another substance. This statistic underscores how quickly a phenobarbital lethal dose can lead to tragedy if not treated.

Even in those who survive the overdose, there are potential complications.  In addition to acute phenobarbital side effects, survivors may face coma, harm to an unborn child in pregnant women, injuries caused by accidents while intoxicated, pneumonia, and other respiratory conditions.

The long-term risk of phenobarbital addiction is often overlooked until overdose or severe phenobarbital side effects appear. A sedative use disorder that involves phenobarbital may occur with misuse of the drug over time. Someone who is addicted to this drug is at significant risk for experiencing an overdose, but treatment is available, effective, and capable of reducing that risk.

Phenobarbital rehab usually begins with supervised detox, as withdrawal can be dangerous. It can lead to a relapse and potentially an overdose. In some cases, the client may be weaned slowly from the drug or given a similar, alternative medication to help manage withdrawal. Ongoing treatment revolves mostly around behavioral therapies, helping the client learn how to function without the drug and to make positive lifestyle changes to avoid relapsing.

If you or a loved one are concerned about phenobarbital overdose symptoms, struggling with phenobarbital side effects, or fear the risks of phenobarbital addiction, professional help can provide a safe path forward.

Key Takeaway: Phenobarbital overdose is a serious and sometimes fatal risk, especially when combined with other sedatives. Recognizing phenobarbital overdose symptoms, understanding the dangers of a phenobarbital lethal dose, and addressing phenobarbital addiction early are critical steps toward safety and recovery.