Barbiturate Abuse (cont.)

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

The treatment of barbiturate abuse or overdose is generally supportive. The amount of support required depends on the person's symptoms.

If the person is drowsy but awake and can swallow and breathe without difficulty, the treatment may consist ofjust watching the person closely.

If the person is not breathing, a breathing machine is used to ensure the person can breathe well until the drugs have worn off.

Most people receive a liquid form of activated charcoal to bind to any drugs in their stomach. This may be done by placing a tube into the stomach (through the nose or mouth) or by having the person drink it.

Most people are admitted to the hospital or are observed in the emergency department for a number of hours. Other treatments depend on the specific situation.

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