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These combinations are considered extremely harmful and should always be avoided. Reactions to these drugs taken in combination are highly unpredictable and have a potential to cause death.
These combinations are not usually physically harmful, but may produce undesirable effects, such as physical discomfort or overstimulation. Extreme use may cause physical health issues. Synergistic effects may be unpredictable. Care should be taken when choosing to use this combination.
Secobarbital is considered extremely psychologically addictive, with a particularly high risk of abuse and addiction even among barbiturates. It was widely abused recreationally in the 1960s-1980s before being largely replaced by benzodiazepines due to its high abuse potential.
Physical dependence develops with extended use. Barbiturate withdrawal is medically serious and can cause a life-threatening syndrome with symptoms including anxiety, insomnia, decreased appetite, tremors, seizures, and potentially death.
Doses of 15 grams are used for physician-assisted dying in the Netherlands, United States, and Canada. Overdose symptoms include severe thought deceleration, slurred speech, confusion, delusions, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Accidental overdose was commonly associated with recreational use during the drug's peak popularity.
| Species | Route | Value |
|---|---|---|
| rat | oral | 125 mg/kg |
| mouse | oral | 267 mg/kg |
Studies have linked the use of barbiturates, particularly phenobarbital, with the development of cancer, though evidence specific to secobarbital is limited.
Delusions and confusion may occur during overdose. Psychosis is a documented risk during barbiturate withdrawal syndrome and may accompany life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
While barbiturates have anticonvulsant properties during use, abrupt discontinuation in dependent individuals can cause life-threatening seizures. Drugs that lower seizure threshold should be avoided during withdrawal. Switching to a longer-acting barbiturate such as phenobarbital may be beneficial for managing withdrawal.
Secobarbital was first developed in Germany in 1914 as part of ongoing barbiturate research. Eli Lilly and Company subsequently patented the compound in the United States in 1934 and later introduced it to the American pharmaceutical market in 1959 under the brand name Seconal. The drug was
UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971 (Schedule II)
Controlled under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Available by prescription with appropriate controls for Schedule IV substances.
Classified as a Schedule III controlled substance under Russian drug control legislation.
Controlled as secobarbitone under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Class B substances carry penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment for possession and up to 14 years for supply.
Listed in Anlage III of the Betäubungsmittelgesetz (Narcotics Act). Requires a special narcotic prescription form (Betäubungsmittelrezept) for medical dispensing.
Specifically named controlled substance under Verzeichnis B of Swiss narcotics legislation. Medicinal use is permitted with appropriate authorization.
Controlled under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule II classification indicates high abuse potential with accepted medical use under severe restrictions. Marketed as Seconal Sodium for treatment of intractable insomnia.
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