Psychiatrist prescribed Phenobarbital

[lrb123]

Does anyone have any information or stories on how phenobarbital helped you detox from alcohol?
This is my first day of alcohol detox.
Thanks

[lrb123]

Psychiatrist prescribed Phenobarbital

I guess out of the 21 views, nobody here has had to take Phenobarb in order to detox from alcohol.

I wish I could get some feedback

[Lavande]

Psychiatrist prescribed Phenobarbital

Hi lrb,

Welcome to MWO, this is a good place! You will find lots of information & support here.

I have a medical background so I do have some knowledge about medications. I'm not sure why your Doc prescribed Phenobarb for you but it should be helpful in reducing anxiety & preventing seizure activity. Phenobarbital lost popularity many years ago when the newer Benzos came on the market (Valium, Librium, Ativan, etc.) They all work as central nervous system depressants, same as alcohol, so you certainly don't want to mix them.
Why not call your Doc & just ask.....a little reassurance goes a long way.

I wish you the best on your journey. Please feel free to drop into the 'Newbies Nest' thread for support!

Lav

[Winefree]

Psychiatrist prescribed Phenobarbital

Medical background too. I also don't know why the phenobarb. I haven't seen that used for detox in my 30yr+ career.

Winefree

[chopper]

Psychiatrist prescribed Phenobarbital

phenobarb

very old anticonvulsant - maybe precribed by one of those really old psychs not up to date with newer practices? (God forbid, an alky him/herself?)
They will knock you out a fair bit! Maybe a 2nd opinion or get him to explain why the barbituate instead of a benzodiazepam a 1)the dosage is harder to titrate as the phenobarb is much longer acting, and 2)the phenobarb puts quite a load on the liver in its metabolism so generally liver function test recommended 1st.
Just an opinion, am a vet surgeon myself and we use phenobarb in dogs with epilepsy as valproic acid or dilantin not so successful in dogs, so I have a fair bit of experience with phenobarb.
Still, he/she may have valid reason but worth further enquiry, definitely.
Good luck, Chopper.

[lrb123]

Psychiatrist prescribed Phenobarbital

Thanks, for the responses.... I think that he may have chosen this because I am allergic to Valium and Codein.
Do you think that's why?
Anyway, I have to take 4 pills a day for 4 days, then 1/2 pill four times a day for the next four days.
When that's finished, I start Topomax.

Does this change your view, or should I still ask him why he didn't choose a benzodiazepine med.

Thanks !!!!

[shame]

Psychiatrist prescribed Phenobarbital

If you are allergic to valium, a benzodiapine, chances are you could react to the others.
Also a medical background, I haven't seen barbiturates used for approx 25 years. How are you feeling on them?

[lrb123]

Psychiatrist prescribed Phenobarbital

I am on my 2nd day, and it just makes me feel kinda lethargic.
I had a really intense craving today for alcohol, I just wanted to cry !!
BUT, it only lasted for about and intense 5 minutes, then it went away.

So, I guess that's good.
It also makes me sleepy.