Barbiturate Abuse (cont.)

OTC and Prescription Drug Abuse Slideshow Pictures

Health Risks of Alcohol Abuse Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

J Dave Barry, MD

Coauthor:

Christopher B Beach, MD

Medical Editor:

Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

Anthony Anker, MD, FAAEM

When to Seek Medical Care

The doctor cannot give appropriate treatment for barbiturate abuse over the telephone. Observation at a hospital emergency department is necessary.

If you believe someone has taken barbiturates inappropriately, take him or her to a hospital emergency department for evaluation by a doctor. Soon after taking barbiturates, a person may only be drowsy or seem intoxicated, but more serious symptoms can develop quickly and unpredictably.

If the person is drowsy or you are unable to arouse the person (if he or she seems to be in a coma), call 911 for emergency medical transport and immediate treatment in the ambulance.