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Please call 911 immediately if you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you think you have a medical emergency. Barbiturate Abuse Treatment Self-Care at Home There is no home treatment for barbiturate abuse. If you believe someone has taken barbiturates inappropriately, take him or her to the hospital for evaluation by a doctor. - Barbiturates have a narrow therapeutic index and can cause coma or death if taken inappropriately. This is especially true in children and in elderly persons.
- Because children are smaller and weigh less than adults, even small doses of barbiturates could be life threatening.
- Elderly people can be more sensitive to barbiturates and develop a coma with small doses.
Medical Treatment 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 of just 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.
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Next Steps
- Outlook
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