Nembutal is a barbiturate medication that has been prescribed for sleep problems, such as insomnia and other ailments. It is dangerous to abuse this drug, and doing so can result in developing a life-threatening addiction or death.
Nembutal is the brand name for pentobarbital or pentobarbitone. The short-acting barbiturate is used to sedate patients shortly before surgery so they can relax and fall asleep before surgery begins. Others take it on prescription for the short-term treatment to help them fall asleep or help them manage sudden seizures.
Barbiturates Dull the Senses, Affecting One’s Motor Skills
Medications in the barbiturate class bring on feelings of calm and relaxation, which is why they are abused when they fall into the wrong hands. These drugs dull one’s sensory cortex, slowing down motor activity and affecting a person’s balance and muscle coordination. Drowsiness, sedation and other symptoms are effects of these drugs.
Stopping Chronic Nembutal Use Can Bring on Withdrawal
Frequently using Nembutal, which is not recommended, can cause dependence. If a chronic user stops taking the drug or cuts back on use, the body will react and try to adjust to its absence. This process brings on withdrawal, which can range from uncomfortable to painful, depending on how much Nembutal is taken and for how long.
A person experiencing Nembutal withdrawal symptoms could notice the following:
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Muscle twitching
- Tremors
- Weakness, tiredness
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Abnormally low blood pressure
A person in severe withdrawal from Nembutal can have convulsions and enter a state of delirium.
Nembutal Withdrawal Timeline
No two people are guaranteed to have the same experiences when withdrawing from Nembutal. A lot depends on several factors unique to each individual. Among them are:
- How large the Nembutal dose is
- How often Nembutal is used
- How long Nembutal misuse has occurred
- Age, genetics, general medical history
- History of substance use
- Whether other drugs were abused along with Nembutal, such as alcohol
- If the individual is following a tapering schedule to end Nembutal use
To get an idea of how the Nembutal withdrawal timeline could unfold, you may want to look at how other barbiturate medications work. Generally, your timeline could look something like this:
Days 1-3 – Withdrawal symptoms could start sometime within 16 hours after the last dose of Nembutal taken. Weakness, trouble sleeping, anxiety, and increased sweating are early symptoms. Some may find getting on a tapering schedule is needed to avoid adverse outcomes, such as seizures or delirium.
Days 3-4 – You could see Nembutal symptoms peak in this period. The intensity of symptoms could vary. People in this stage of withdrawal from Nembutal could feel tired, having trouble falling asleep. They also may struggle with anxiety and notice increased sweating. Delirium is still possible at this stage.
Days 5-7 – Physical symptoms should ease up during this phase. Lingering psychological symptoms are common. A person may have drug cravings or battle with depression.
Week 2 and beyond – Physical symptoms should have ended, but psychological symptoms are still around, which may require therapy and counseling to deal with them effectively. People who are working through Nembutal misuse experience lingering tiredness and sleep problems, and invasive cravings.
Getting Help for Nembutal Withdrawal
One main reason to get help with withdrawal from Nembutal is users who don’t risk relapsing on the drug, which can lead to a fatal overdose. A person who stops using a drug and then returns often makes the mistake of thinking their body can still handle their usual dose. Taking the usual dose after a break from using the drug can cause injury to the body or death or both.
Professional Medical Detox Is a Safer Way to Deal with Withdrawal
Stopping chronic substance use abruptly is dangerous for several reasons. In the case of Nembutal and other barbiturates, suddenly reducing or stopping use can lead to life-threatening seizures. Entering an accredited rehab facility that specializes in helping people end their dependence on addictive substances is ideal when going through substance withdrawal.
Such a facility will have staff members who are professionally trained and licensed to manage drug withdrawal properly. Staff will also understand the needs of people in addiction recovery, making them more understanding of what the patient needs and when. 
Detoxing in the care of professionals also means you will have the care you need if any complications or medical emergencies arise during this time. You also may be given medications to help ease painful or uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
A tapering schedule is ideal to ensure that withdrawal is a safe process. Professional staff could monitor someone in withdrawal for up to 10 days or longer if needed. Medical detox is not just about physically withdrawing from a substance. Professionals also assess the mental and emotional needs of the individual as they prepare recommendations for long-term treatment.
Medical Detox Is Just the First Step of Addiction Treatment
As the patient regains stability and recovers from substance withdrawal, they are ready to consider their path ahead in recovery. While detoxification removes toxic substances from the body, it alone is not enough to help the person recover from chronic substance abuse and addiction.
As mentioned earlier, individual factors will be considered when recommending the best treatment setting. If the addiction or substance problem is severe, inpatient treatment, also known as residential treatment, could be recommended. During this treatment, patients stay on-site at a facility for 24-hour care for up to 90 days.
They receive medical care and therapy in a structured, monitored environment that encourages a strong focus on recovering from substance use. This setting is ideal because there are no distractions or outside influences that could derail someone’s desire to end their substance use.
Outpatient Treatment Programs for Recovery
In mild or early addiction cases, a person may be able to attend an outpatient rehab program where they can receive treatment at a facility for a set number of sessions or hours during the week and then return home when they are done. Outpatient programs allow more flexibility when it comes to fitting treatment into one’s personal schedule. The number of hours of outpatient treatment depends on what the person needs. If they need nine or more hours, that is classified as intensive outpatient treatment (IOP).
People who have completed either an inpatient or outpatient program can enter an outpatient program if they feel like they may relapse. All treatment programs aim to give people in recovery what they need to manage their addiction, including a relapse prevention plan. Treatment programs also help them cope with their journey and find the support and resources they need.
