Luminal (Phenobarbital) Addiction & Abuse
Side effects of Luminal can include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. In some rare cases, a person on Luminal may experience psychiatric side effects. These can include depression or suicidal thoughts and behaviors. For people who are prescribed Luminal to control seizures, it’s important to take the medication at the same time every day. This allows for a steady dose to be present in the blood at all times.
As with other barbiturate drugs, Luminal slows down the central nervous system. It affects GABA receptors -which has an inhibitory effect on brain activity. That’s how Luminal is able to control seizures and anxiety; however, the same slowing effect can cause adverse effects. The risk of negative effects is higher for people who abuse Luminal or use it in any way other than as prescribed or directed by a medical professional.
Seeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.
Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.
Speak to an Intake Coordinator now.352.771.2700Before someone is prescribed Luminal, their doctor will likely speak to them about their history with drugs and alcohol. For example, a physician may ask the patient if they’ve ever consumed excessive amounts of alcohol, used illicit drugs or abused prescription drugs. The reason for these questions is that Luminal is addictive and it can result in dependence. If Luminal is used as prescribed and directed, the risk of addiction is quite low. However, when someone abuses the drug this risk goes up significantly. All barbiturates are considered to be addictive because they affect the brain and central nervous system. In doing so, they can create a feeling of euphoria or a sense of well-being. This can lead to addiction.
Abuse raises the chances of becoming addicted to Luminal. This behavior includes taking more of the drug than directed or using Luminal recreationally without a prescription. These scenarios can also increase the risks of becoming dependent upon Luminal. The risk of addiction and dependence associated with barbiturates has led to a reduction in the number of barbiturate prescriptions. For decades, these drugs were frequently prescribed. When the risk of addiction and toxicity started to surface, doctors started prescribing benzodiazepines instead. While some barbiturates are still used, such as Luminal, people who take these drugs should be aware of the risks.
Addiction is a disease, but treatment can lead to recovery. Call The Recovery Village now to learn more.
Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
Have more questions about Luminal abuse?
Read the most frequently asked questionsSeeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.
Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.
Speak to an Intake Coordinator now.352.771.2700
