Side Effects, Interactions, and Blackouts

Alcohol and Seconal can have serious side effects of their own but taking them together can lead to serious adverse side effects. Seconal (secobarbital) works as a sedative and alcohol has sedative properties as well; therefore, it’s very dangerous to mix the two substances. Together the risks of experiencing effects such as dizziness, nausea and death are increased.

Doctors advise you to stay away from alcohol if you’re taking Seconal (secobarbital). If you are prescribed secobarbital and you drink alcohol, be honest with your doctor about it so that you can work together to avoid unwanted consequences.

What is Seconal (Secobarbital)?

Seconal is the brand name for the generic prescription secobarbital. It is classified as a barbiturate derivative hypnotic and is used to calm patients before surgery by affecting certain parts of the brain. Seconal is available in pill form and has the possibility of side effects including:

  • sleepiness
  • trouble waking up
  • dizziness
  • excitation
  • headache
  • tiredness
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea
  • vomiting

There are more serious side effects that are rare, but can occur. Those include: mental/mood changes, slurred speech, clumsiness, double vision or memory problems. It has been reported that patients have also done things in their sleep (such as driving, sleepwalking and sex) that they can’t remember while taking Seconal.

If you experience any side effects at all from Seconal, tell your physician so she can monitor you and keep them under control or decide whether Seconal is the right choice for you.

In the United States, secobarbital is the most used drug in physician assisted suicide and is not available as a generic. As previously mentioned, it’s also used to calm patients before surgery. Doctors can prescribe this medication to treatment epilepsy, insomnia and to produce anesthesia for short surgical, diagnostic, or therapeutic procedures that have little pain associated with them.

Tell your doctor about any allergies you may have, especially to barbiturates.

In the 60s and 70s, secobarbital was widely misused which led to a lot of overdoses. The drug was known under the nicknames reds, red devils and red dillies because of the color of the pills.

Mixing Alcohol and Seconal (Secobarbital)

Mixing alcohol with Seconal (secobarbital) can lead to devastating side effects. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking secobarbital and keep your doctor informed about all drugs that you’re taking, including vitamins and supplements, to avoid adverse interactions from taking place.

Summing Up Side Effects, Interactions, and Blackouts of Mixing Alcohol and Seconal (Secobarbital)

Drinking alcohol while taking Seconal (secobarbital) will increase the chances of dizziness, nausea, long-term addiction and death. The fact that alcohol is a depressant and secobarbital depresses the nervous system as well only makes the combination more dangerous, so avoid all alcohol consumption while taking this prescription drug. Be honest with your doctor about your habits with alcohol and any other drugs you are taking.

If you think that you or a loved one is misusing or abusing Seconal or alcohol, don’t wait to get help.  Go online to www.TheRecoveryVillage.com or call 24/7 to our toll-free hotline at 855-548-9825 to learn more about the road to recovery. We can help you begin to overcome your addiction today.

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.