Amobarbital/secobarbital (By mouth)

Introduction:

Amobarbital (am-oh-BAR-bi-tal), Secobarbital (see-koe-BAR-bi-tal)

Treats insomnia and also makes you sleepy before surgery or a procedure. This medicine is a barbiturate.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to amobarbital, secobarbital, or other barbiturates. You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant, or if you have porphyria, liver disease, or lung disease.

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • This medicine is not for long-term use.
  • Take this medicine at bedtime, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

If a dose is missed:

  • This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using blood thinners such as acenocoumarol, dicumarol, phenprocoumon, or warfarin (Coumadin®). Tell your doctor if you are using steroids (such as dexamethasone, prednisone, prednisolone, or Medrol®). Your doctor should know if you are also using medicine for seizures such as phenytoin (Dilantin®), sodium valproate, or valproic acid.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using griseofulvin, or doxycycline.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using MAO inhibitor such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®. Tell your doctor if you are also using hormones such as estradiol, estrone, or progesterone or other similar medicines.
  • Birth control pills may not work as well while you are using this medicine. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control such as condoms, a diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.
  • Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are breast feeding.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or severe pain in any part of your body, depression, drug abuse, or any suicide attempts.
  • Tell your doctor if you have any history of mental illness.
  • This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.
  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
  • This medicine may make you drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  • Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
  • Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Depression, confusion, hallucinations, or unusual behavior.
  • Feeling very excited or agitated.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting.
  • Muscle twitching or problems with balance or walking.
  • Pale skin or pale lip color.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Slow heartbeat.
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Thoughts of doing harm to yourself.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Constipation, nausea, or vomiting.
  • Headache or mild fever.
  • Mild skin rash, redness, or itching.
  • Nervousness, restlessness, trouble sleeping, or abnormal dreams.
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