Nembutal Withdrawal

Nembutal (generic name pentobarbital) is a drug that is less popular but still dangerous. It has been grimly nicknamed “death in a bottle” due to its capabilities. The medication is not prescribed anymore due to its potential for abuse, but it’s still available on the black market. 

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies Nembutal as a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it is addictive and dangerous. Substantial doses of the drug can lead to death. The substance has been routinely used in euthanasia over the years.

What Are Nembutal Withdrawal Symptoms?

Those who become dependent on the drug may notice that it happens rapidly. When someone continues to increase their dose, they may create a stronger tolerance of Nembutal. It will cause them to need more Nembutal to feel their desired effect. Unfortunately, this can lead to deadly outcomes. Signs of Nembutal abuse are similar to alcohol abuse, which include slurred speech and stumbling. 

When you suddenly stop using Nembutal, you will likely experience various withdrawal symptoms if you’ve become dependent. The symptoms can be severe and start in as little as eight to 12 hours after your last dose. 

The most common Nembutal withdrawal symptoms include:

• Tremors
• Muscle twitching
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Fatigue or feeling weak
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Insomnia
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Orthostatic hypotension (a form of low blood pressure)
• Seizures
• Delirium

Stages of the Nembutal Withdrawal Timeline

Nembutal is a barbiturate drug that will have a timeline similar to other drugs in this category. Various factors can influence how your withdrawals may be, which include:

• A tapering schedule
• The dose you are using
• Frequency of use
• Age
• Dietary habits
• If other drugs are used with Nembutal
• Duration of Nembutal use
• Overall health condition

A general timeline for Nembutal withdrawal symptoms may look like the following:

Days 1-3: You may notice symptoms around eight to 12 hours after your last dose. The most common early symptoms include anxiety, sweating, insomnia, and weakness. A tapering schedule is crucial if you want to avoid seizures or delirium. 

Days 3-4: The worst of your symptoms, also known as the peak, will occur during this period. Their intensity will depend on the factors we discussed above. The most common symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, sweating, and in severe cases, delirium. 

Days 5-7: Physical symptoms will gradually lessen at this point, but depression and intense cravings may remain. 

Week 2 and beyond: Most withdrawal symptoms should be gone by now, but psychological symptoms may stick around. Those in recovery report cravings, feelings of exhaustion, and an inability to sleep during this time. Most of these individuals note that by weeks three and four, they are symptom-free. 

Should I Detox?

Due to the dangers associated with barbiturates and Nembutal withdrawal, stopping without professional help may lead to death. Severe withdrawal symptoms make it imperative that individuals consider placing themselves in a controlled environment. This is for their safety, and this kind of setting allows them to transition into sobriety without additional concerns about their health. 

What Is the Next Treatment Step?

Once you’ve finished detox, you must continue treatment, which could take place in a residential or outpatient treatment center, among other settings. While detox will help you get sober, it will not address the underlying factors that contribute to addiction. Those can be addressed only in therapy and take place over an extended period. If you are struggling with Nembutal and fear withdrawals, you must get help immediately to save your life.

Sources

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Drug Scheduling. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/

Gibson, I. I. (1966, September). Barbiturate delirium. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/5916201

Sarrecchia, C., Sordillo, P., Conte, G., & Rocchi, G. (1998). Barbiturate withdrawal syndrome: A case associated with the abuse of a headache medication. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10349206

Singh, V. (2014). Survival after fatal pentobarbital ingestion. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3968666/

Pentobarbital overdose: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002508.htm