How does it work?

Amobarbital belongs to a group of medicines called barbiturates. It causes drowsiness and is used to induce sleep. GABA is a chemical that occurs naturally in the body. When GABA is released in the brain, it acts to decrease nerve activity in the brain. Amobarbital acts to increase the actions of GABA in the brain, thereby decreasing nerve activity in the brain. This results in sleepiness. As amobarbital causes sleepiness it is used in the treatment of insomnia. It remains active in the body for many hours, therefore may cause drowsiness the next day.

What is it used for?

Severe, long-standing insomnia in people already taking barbiturates

Warning!

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided.

Barbiturates are rarely used due to the potential for dependence, the risk of overdose even with small doses and the serious symptoms caused by abrupt withdrawal. For these reasons, their supply is usually restricted to patients already receiving barbiturate therapy.

If this medicine is used continuously for longer than 2 weeks, it's effectiveness at inducing and maintaining sleep will be decreased.

Individuals receiving long-term treatment with this medicine should be regularly monitored (kidney and liver function tests, blood counts).

Avoid stopping this medicine suddenly, as it may result in insomnia, nightmares, irritability, tremor and convulsions.

Use with caution in

Decreased function of the adrenal gland (hypoadrenal function)

Depression

Liver disease

Moderate to severely decreased kidney 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

History of alcoholism or drug abuse

Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

Lung disease causing evident shortness of breath

Moderate to severely decreased liver function

Sudden onset of pain (acute) or long-standing constant pain (chronic)

Weak or debilitated people

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 should 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. It is recommended that mothers should avoid using this medicine while 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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