Pentothal Addiction Treatment and Rehab

Pentothal (thiopental) is a brand-name barbiturate drug that is commonly administered before general anesthesia. Pentothal helps patients relax before a surgery. It is administered via intravenous injection after the drug is mixed with a diluent. In some cases, if the surgery is minor or brief, Pentothal injection replaces anesthesia.

Pentothal has occasionally been used as a mild sedative for someone suffering from anxiety and for therapeutic purposes as well. Pentothal may also be used as an adjuvant, which helps the body better respond to antigens.

Pentothal produces a hypnotic effect and is fast-acting, usually showing results within 30 to 40 seconds. Because Pentothal loses its effects so quickly, it is normally administered slowly over a short period to cause prolonged anesthesia that can typically last anywhere from three to eight hours. After someone receives a Pentothal injection, they are closely monitored because it works as a sedative that slows down vital signs (e.g. heart rate, breathing, blood pressure). A medical professional will usually inject a patient with a small dose of around 25 to 75 mg to check for adverse interactions.

When a person receives a dose of Pentothal, they may experience some side effects. If any uncomfortable or unusual side effects occur during treatment, you should notify a doctor immediately.

Common side effects of Pentothal include:

• Shivering (chills)
• Coughing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Shallow breathing
• Drowsiness
• Tightness in the chest (trouble taking breaths)

Although Pentothal is only administered under medical supervision, the class of drugs it is listed under, barbiturates, are generally obtainable and have a high risk for addiction. All barbiturates work as central nervous system (CNS) depressants and essentially have the same functions. When Pentothal is administered, it binds to a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which works to calm one’s nerves.

Some commonly prescribed barbiturates are:

• Amytal
• Seconal
• Butisol
• Nembutal

Barbiturates can be habit-forming and easy to misuse, so it is important to monitor someone that recently received a Pentothal injection.

If a barbiturate like Pentothal is being misused, some warning signs might be:

• Slurred speech
• Inability to concentrate (confusion)
• Mood swings
• Lack of coordination
• Impaired motor control
• Constant drowsiness

Once a barbiturate leaves the system, withdrawal can occur.

A person may experience one or more of the following withdrawal symptoms:

• Sweating
• Tremors
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Dizziness and weakness

If you or someone you know shows signs of Pentothal misuse, the best and safest option is detoxification at a professional establishment.

Selecting the right rehabilitation program is crucial to achieving long-term recovery. Someone struggling with substance use disorder should not hesitate to seek help or attempt detoxification on their own without medical supervision.

Here, at The Recovery Village, we make sure that all of our patients are comfortable and we are dedicated to helping you select a treatment plan that is right for you. At our facilities, each patient will receive options and advice to help ease withdrawal symptoms. We offer individual and group therapy to continue recovery.

The Recovery Village cares about long-term recovery, so we offer counseling to help patients learn what may have caused the substance misuse.

If a person was recently administered a dose of Pentothal and they begin showing signs of severe substance use disorder, choosing an inpatient treatment program is recommended. The greatest benefit of an inpatient program is that it allows a person struggling with addiction to focus on their long-term recovery. This option removes someone from any potential environment that could lead to relapse. Someone in recovery will also have constant access to a medical staff and medications to help ease their withdrawal symptoms

Outpatient rehabilitation is typically offered as a continuation of recovery. When a patient finishes inpatient rehab, The Recovery Village will have them return periodically for Pentothal treatment. Outpatient rehab may also be selected if a person has a less-severe addiction.

The Recovery Village offers several treatment options for a person misusing barbiturates like Pentothal. We have rehabilitation facilities across the country and are ready to help you or a loved one live a substance-free life. For more information, call our toll-free 24/7 hotline a  352-771-2700 or contact us online.