Barbiturate overdose
Barbiturate overdose is poisoning due to excessive doses of barbiturates. Symptoms typically include difficulty thinking, poor coordination, decreased level of consciousness, and a decreased effort to breathe (respiratory depression). Complications of overdose can include noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. If death occurs this is typically due to a lack of breathing.
| Barbiturate overdose | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Barbiturate poisoning, barbiturate toxicity |
| Molecular diagram of phenobarbital | |
| Specialty | Emergency medicine |
| Symptoms | Decreased breathing, decreased level of consciousness |
| Complications | Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema |
| Duration | 6–12 hours |
| Causes | Accidental, suicide |
| Diagnostic method | Blood or urine tests |
| Treatment | medical support, activated charcoal |
| Frequency | Uncommon |
Barbiturate overdose may occur by accident or purposefully in an attempt to cause death. The toxic effects are additive to those of alcohol and benzodiazepines. The lethal dose varies with a person's tolerance and how the drug is taken. The effects of barbiturates occur via the GABA neurotransmitter. Exposure may be verified by testing the urine or blood.
Treatment involves supporting a person's breathing and blood pressure. While there is no antidote, activated charcoal may be useful. Multiple doses of charcoal may be required. Hemodialysis may occasionally be considered. While once a common cause of overdose, barbiturates are now a rare cause.