Secobarbital

Generic Name : Secobarbital

TradeName : Lipaton

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Secobarbital, a barbiturate, is used in the short-term treatment of insomnia-to help you fall asleep. It also is used as a sedative to relieve anxiety before surgery.

When it is to be taken : Secobarbital usually is taken at bedtime as needed for insomnia or one to two hours before surgery. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Do not take secobarbital for more than two weeks for insomnia.

How it should be taken : Secobarbital comes in the form of capsules. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at ech dose. Take it on an empty stomach, at least two hours after meals.

Special Instruction :
1. Because secobarbital can be habit-forming, do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than as directed.
2. If you accidentally take too much secobarbital, contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
3. Do not stop taking this drug without consulting your doctor, especially if you have been taking it for a long time. Your doctor may want ot decreae your dose gradually.
4. Secobarbital causes drowsiness, which may persist until the next day even though you take it at bedtime. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
5. Do not take a missed dose when you remember it. Omit it completely; then take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time.

Side Effects :
1. Headache, depression, excitement, joint or muscle pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, nightmares, increased dreaming. Contact your doctor.
2. Skin rash, itching, sore throat, fever, easy bruising, bloody nose, unusual bleeding, signs of infection. Stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions :
1. Womenwho are pregnant or breast-feeding should tell their doctors before taking this drug. If you become pregnant
while taking secobarbital, notify your doctor promptly.
2. Secobarbital can interact with many drugs. Before you take it, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, including anticoagulants, birth-control pills, antihistmines, sedatives, sleeping pills, tranqulizers, steroids, and medication for depression
or seizures.
3. Do not drink alcoholic beverages; alcohol adds to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
4. If you develop severe pain while taking secobarbital, contact your doctor.
5. Before taking secobarbital, tell your doctor if you have pain, kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, or severe lung disease.
6. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions :
Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.