Sodium amytal

How does it work?

Sodium amytal capsules contain the active ingredient amobarbital sodium (previously called amylobarbitone sodium in the UK). Amobarbital is a type of medicine called a barbiturate. It causes drowsiness and is used to induce sleep.

Barbiturates work by enhancing the action of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are stored in nerve cells in the brain and nervous system. They are involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells. GABA is a neurotransmitter that acts as a natural 'nerve-calming' agent. It helps keep the nerve activity in the brain in balance, and is involved in inducing sleepiness, reducing anxiety and relaxing muscles.

Amobarbital increases the activity of GABA in the brain, thereby increasing its calming effect and resulting in sleepiness.

Amobarbital remains active in the body for many hours and so may cause sleepiness that continues into the next day.

Amobarbital is used in the treatment of severe sleeping difficulties (insomnia). It is only prescribed to people who are already taking barbiturate medicines and will not be started in new patients. This is because it has a high potential for dependence and addiction and has more side effects and interactions with other medicines than other treatments for insomnia. It is also more dangerous if an overdose is taken.

What is it used for?

Severe, long-standing insomnia in people already taking barbiturate medicines.

Warning!

This medicine causes drowsiness that may last into the next day. It may also impair your mental or physical ability to perform potentially hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinary. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.

People quickly become tolerant to the sleep inducing effect of this medicine. If it is used continuously for longer than two weeks, it is likely to lose it's effectiveness at causing and maintaining sleep. However, the medicine has a strong potential for making you become physically or psychologically dependent on it. You should not increase your dose without consulting a doctor first.

This medicine is generally only suitable for short-term use. If it is used for long periods or in high doses, tolerance to and dependence upon the medicine may develop, and withdrawal symptoms may occur if treatment is stopped suddenly. Treatment with this medicine should usually be stopped gradually, following the instructions given by your doctor, in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, rebound insomnia, nightmares, irritability, tremor or convulsions.

If you have been taking this medicine for long periods of time your doctor may want you to have regular blood tests to monitor your kidney and liver function and blood counts.

Use with caution in

Depression

Liver disease

Decreased kidney function

Decreased function of the adrenal glands (hypoadrenal function)

Reduced blood flow to vital internal organs (shock)

Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression).

Not to be used in

Children and young adults

Elderly people

Weak or debilitated people

History of drug abuse or addiction

History of alcohol abuse or alcoholism

Allergy to barbiturates

Hereditary blood disorders called porphyrias

Severely decreased liver function

Lung disease causing obvious shortness of breath

Sudden (acute) or ongoing (chronic) pain

Pregnancy

Breastfeeding.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine must not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk and may be harmful to a nursing infant. It should not be taken by women who are breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication causes drowsiness which may continue the next day. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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