Amobarbital Description

Generic Name: AMOBARBITAL

Pronunciation: (am oh bar' bi tal)

Trade Name(s): Amytal

Why it is prescribed: Amobarbital, a barbiturate, is used in the short-term treatment of insomnia. It makes you fall asleep and stay asleep. It is also used as a sedative to relieve anxiety including anxiety before surgery.

When it is to be taken: Amobarbital is usually taken at bedtime as needed for insomnia, one to two hours before surgery, or two or three times a day for anxiety. Follow the instructions on your prescription carefully. Do not take amobarbital for more than two weeks for insomnia.

How it should be taken: Amobarbital comes in the form of tablets and capsules. Your prescription label gives you the exact amount of drug to be taken at each dose. Take it on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after meals.

Special Instruction: 1. Because amobarbital can be habit-forming, do not take more of it and do not take it more often or for a longer duration of time.
2. If you accidentally take too much amobarbital, contact your doctor immediately.
3. Do not stop taking this drug without consulting your doctor, especially if you have been taking it for a long time. Your doctor may want to decrease your dose gradually.
4. Amobarbital causes drowsiness, which may persist until the next day even though you take it at bedtime. Do not drive a car or operate any dangerous machinery.
5. If you forget to take a dose, do not take the missed dose when you remember it. Omit it completely.Then take the next dose at the regularly schedule time.

Side Effects: 1. Headache, depression, excitement, join or muscle pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, nightmares, increased dreaming are rare.
2. Skin rash, itching, sore throat, fever, easy bruising, bloody nose, unusual bleeding and signs of infection are infrequent. Stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions: 1. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctor before taking this drug.
2. If you become pregnant while taking amobarbital, notify your doctor promptly.
3. Amobarbital can interact with many drugs. Before you take it, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking including anticoagulants, birth-control pills, antihistamines, sedatives, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, steroids and medication for depression or seizures.
4. Do not drink alcoholic beverages.Alcohol adds to the drowsiness caused by this drug. Before taking amobarbital, tell your doctor if you have pain, kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, or severe lung disease. If you develop severe pain while taking amobarbital, contact your doctor. 5. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions: Keep this medication in the container and out of the reach of children.