Although its use has been limited in modern medicine, barbiturates like Mysoline may sometimes be used to treat conditions like epilepsy when other medications haven’t proven effective. Epilepsy is a potentially severe condition that causes intensely painful convulsion that can injure the individual.
An estimated 50 million people struggle with the disorder each year, with a majority of them using medication to manage their symptoms. Several drugs exist to relieve the worst symptoms brought on by epilepsy and are extremely effective when used as prescribed by your treating physician. One such medication, known as Mysoline, is a potent barbiturate that’s existed for many decades specifically for this disorder.
Barbiturates like Mysoline were synthesized to treat the recurrent seizures that involve a part of the body or the entire body. On some occasions, the individual will lose control of their bladder and lose consciousness. Seizures are caused by electrical discharge in brain cells. If you have a single seizure in your life, you won’t be diagnosed
with epilepsy. However, having two or more unprovoked seizures will warrant a diagnosis. Epilepsy is one of the most recognized problems that go back centuries.
Before the existence of benzodiazepines, barbiturates were the primary drugs to treat anxiety, insomnia, and epilepsy. However, these central nervous system (CNS) depressants carry a serious risk of chemical dependence, addiction, and potentially deadly withdrawal symptoms. The side effects of Mysoline are much worse when it’s consumed for prolonged periods. Barbiturates were widespread throughout the 20th century, but the adverse effects caused concern throughout the medical need, warranting the need for other options.
Despite falling out of use by doctors and only getting prescribed under rare circumstances, Mysoline is one barbiturate doctors still opt to use when all other resources have been exhausted. There are many options to consider before reaching this point, but should you be using it or if you are considering its use, you must become familiar with the signs of Mysoline addiction and how it’s treated.
What Is Mysoline?
Mysoline is a barbiturate drug that falls under the class of drugs known as central nervous system depressants, shared by alcohol, opioids,
and benzodiazepines. Mysoline, sometimes referred to as primidone, is the analog of a potent substance known as phenobarbital. To give you an idea of its potency, the drug is used or physician-assisted suicide in states that legally allow it. It helps individuals struggling with a terminal illness end their lives with dignity.
Depressants specifically target anxiety, sleep disorders, and seizures. However, once their side effects became more prevalent, scientists began synthesizing other drugs like benzos and Z drugs. However, Mysoline is still sometimes prescribed and still abused.
As you’d expect from a depressant, Mysoline modulates the receptor in our brain that’s activated by GABA. Mysoline doesn’t interact with the naturally occurring chemical directly, making it unique in its category. When phenobarbital breaks down, GABA is altered, thereby increasing efficiency. GABA receptors are responsible for many responsibilities in the brain, but their primary responsibility is to slow nervous system excitability, which is where feelings of sedation occur.
There’s no disputing the therapeutic effects Mysoline produces. However, addiction is a real possibility. If you or someone you know is using Mysoline and you’re concerned about addiction, we’ll go over the signs and symptoms of Mysoline addiction below.
What Are the Signs of Mysoline Addiction?
In its earliest stages, it is challenging to determine whether you or someone you love has become addicted to Mysoline. When prescribed a drug by a doctor, it’s easy to cast doubt on whether you’re becoming dependent on the substance. You have a medical condition, and a doctor deemed you worthy; there’s no way you can become addicted, right? Wrong. Unfortunately, with a drug as addictive as Mysoline, anyone can fall victim and become tolerant, dependent, and addicted to it.
Addiction is characterized by continued use of a drug despite the severe consequences that might occur. If Mysoline dependence has affected relationships, caused issues at school or work, or serious medical problems, and you continue to use it, it’s a sign of a substance use disorder (SUD).
Fortunately, various warning signs will appear before reaching this point. The initial sign you’re on the slippery slope and heading toward a full-blown addiction is an increased tolerance to Mysoline. Tolerance refers to you needing higher doses of the medication to achieve the effects you felt when you started using it. When using barbiturate drugs, tolerance is a telltale sign you’re on the way to becoming chemically dependent.
Dependence is an indicator that your brain and body are adjusting to the presence of Mysoline in your system. At this stage, your system will cease production of its own chemicals and become reliant upon the drug. If you cut your dose in half or stop using it altogether, you’ll notice uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal can range from mild to severe. In the case of Mysoline, it has the potential of being fatal. Some symptoms include the following:
- Insomnia
- Slow breathing
- Irritability
- High body temperature
- Agitation
- Shakiness
- Tremors
- Violent outbursts
- Seizures
- Delirium
Abrupt cessation of any drug you’ve been using can lead to intense withdrawal symptoms. However, in the case of Mysoline, these undesirable symptoms can result in death. If you’ve become dependent on the drug and you wish to stop, you must reach out to the prescribing physician and consult with them before proceeding.
Mysoline is commonly abused because of its euphoric effects. With barbiturates, the potential for abuse is much stronger than other drugs, leading to an addiction that’s hard to break. The outward signs to keep a watchful eye on include the following:
- Poor coordination
- Dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Forgetfulness
- Lying about drug use
- Hiding drug use
- Stealing
- Unusual sleep schedule
- Extreme mood swings
- Isolation
If you’re concerned about Mysoline addiction and not sure how to stop it, addiction treatment is the right path for you.
How Does Mysoline Addiction Treatment Work?
Properly treating Mysoline addiction is a process that requires patience and persistence. There are various levels of treatment, known as the continuum of care. It’s intended to put you in a level of care tailored to your specific needs. This way, you get the necessary care to help you remain sober in the long term.
The first step in Mysoline addiction treatment is to ensure you get through withdrawals safely. You’ll go through medical detox, an intensive process that lasts three to seven days. However, it can be longer if you’re battling severe symptoms. During the process, you’ll receive 24-hour care from medical professionals. You’ll be given medication to alleviate symptoms and support needed during this challenging time. Once complete, you’ll move to the next level of care.
The next level of care will vary from one person to the next based on their needs. While some individuals will need inpatient care and live on-site, others may benefit from outpatient care, allowing them to leave once therapy concludes for the day. No matter the path, you’ll be exposed to therapies that help you understand the core of your addiction. It can last several weeks or months.
Once you finish treatment, you aren’t magically cured. Addiction is a lifelong disease that requires constant management to keep at bay. Your aftercare will consist of time with alumni and 12-step programs that help you battle triggers and cravings. Fortunately, Summit Behavioral Health will help you even after you leave.
Dangers of Mysoline
Like other barbiturates, Mysoline is extremely dangerous. If you’re prescribed the drug, you must always follow the recommended dose. Even taking one milligram too much can lead to a fatal overdose. Even when used as prescribed, you can become dependent on Mysoline and experience severe withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it.
Abusing the drug can lead to respiratory distress that causes brain damage or death, which is especially true if mixed with other depressants. For that reason, you should never mix Mysoline with other drugs or take more than you’re prescribed.
Other dangers of Mysoline include:
- Heart-related complications, such as coronary heart disease
- Blackouts that cause accidents and memory loss
- Osteoporosis
- Dupuytren’s contracture, which causes your fingers to permanently bend down
Barbiturate Addiction Statistics
- Fifty million people battle epilepsy globally, with 70 percent responding to treatment.
- Three-hundred ninety-six people died because of barbiturates in 2013.
- Barbiturate overdose is deadly in 10 percent of cases.
