What is Pentothal (Thiopental)?

Pentothal, also known by the generic name thiopental, is a barbiturate medication given to patients to help them relax before receiving general anesthesia. Pentothal is effective due to its ability to slow activity in the brain and nervous system.

Just like any new medication, Pentothal has the potential to produce certain side effects. Although many people taking Pentothal do not experience side effects, some potential side effects include ongoing drowsiness, weak or shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, chills or shivering, sneezing, coughing, tight feelings in the throat area and bronchospasms (wheezing, chest tightness and trouble breathing).

Do not use Pentothal if you have been diagnosed with porphyria, liver or kidney disease, severe anemia, myasthenia gravis, asthma, any thyroid disorder or Addison’s disease. Pentothal should also be avoided if you have experienced an allergic reaction to other barbiturate medications, such as amobarbital, butabarbital, mephobarbital, secobarbital or phenobarbital.

In addition, before you take Pentothal, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: severe heart disease, pituitary gland disorder, pancreas disorder, head injury, brain tumor, conditions that cause increased pressure inside the skull, problems with the muscles in or around the eyes, or if you take a blood thinner such as warfarin, Coumadin, or Jantoven. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to mention this to your doctor as Pentothal may potentially harm an unborn baby and can also pass into breast milk.

What Are Common Pentothal (Thiopental) Withdrawal Symptoms?

It is uncommon for patients to experience severe Pentothal withdrawal symptoms since the drug is used for specific purposes and very rarely. Set up a meeting with your doctor if you feel you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms from ending your Pentothal treatment.

Pentothal (Thiopental) Withdrawal Timeline and Symptom Durations

Typically, the body can detoxify itself from Pentothal in just a few days. There are exceptions to this, however, because every patient’s unique physiology contributes to how long the detoxification process takes. Several factors such as age, metabolism, organ functions, Pentothal usage frequency, genetics and more, all contribute to how quickly Pentothal is removed from the body.

Managing Withdrawal Symptoms of Pentothal (Thiopental)

If you are having trouble managing any Pentothal withdrawal symptoms you may experience, it may be necessary to enter a medically assisted detoxification program. While in this program, patients can access medically trained staff to help them identify and cope with their Pentothal withdrawal symptoms. It is important to take your Pentothal detox and withdrawal symptoms seriously as a safe detox is the first step in living a happier, healthier, Pentothal-free life.

Pentothal (Thiopental) Medications and Detox

Be sure to keep a current list of any medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal products you are taking and share this with your doctor as certain medications have the potential to interact with Pentothal. The following medications and drugs that are known to cause a major interaction with Pentothal include: alcohol, anisindione, Atapryl, Cabrex, Coumadin, dicumarol, Eldepryl, Ensam, ethyl alcohol, hemin, isocarboxazid, Jantoven, Jumex, Marplan, Miradon, Nardil, Palcohol, Panhematin, Parnate, Phenelzine, Selgene, sodium oxybate, tranylcypromine, warfarin, Xirem and Zelepar

How to Choose a Pentothal (Thiopental) Center

Choosing the right recovery center is an important step on the road to recovery. Set up a meeting with your doctor to discuss specifically what you are looking for in a Pentothal center.

If you or someone you know is struggling with Pentothal addiction, or any other substance use disorder, it is important to get help as soon as possible. The Recovery Village offers many different treatment programs and resources for those suffering from substance use disorders.

The road to recovery is not always easy for everyone but The Recovery Village will be with you every step of the way to help you live a healthy, substance-free life. Getting the help you need today will ensure a lasting, life-long recovery.

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with 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 providers.