What is secobarbital?

Secobarbital is in a group of drugs called barbiturates (bar-BIT-chur-ates). Secobarbital slows the activity of your brain and nervous system.

Secobarbital is used to short-term to treat insomnia, or as a sedative before surgery.

Secobarbital may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking secobarbital?

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking secobarbital and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.

Before taking secobarbital, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing disorder;

• a blood cell disorder such as anemia (lack of red blood cells);

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• liver disease;

• heart disease;

• overactive thyroid;

• a history of depression, mental illness, or suicide attempt; or

• a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take secobarbital.

should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Secobarbital should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use secobarbital without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. Secobarbital can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking secobarbital. Secobarbital can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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