Mebaral (Mephobarbital) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Mebaral

Sleep Disorder Drugs »

Sleep disorder drugs (hypnotic and sedative drugs) overview

Insomnia, a disorder of sleep, occurs occasionally in most people but usually lasts only a few days. The body then "corrects" itself naturally, and people return to a normal pattern of sleep. Insomnia may be short-term (less than three weeks) or chronic, lasting longer than three weeks. Contributing factors include, but are not limited to, poor sleeping habits, stress, jet lag, medications, disease, and depression. Chronic insomnia may warrant the use of sedative/hypnotics medications; however, it is important that the treating physician perform a complete diagnostic evaluation as well as take medication and substance abuse histories, to exclude secondary insomnia due to other conditions.

Hypnotics/sedatives medications (henceforth referred to as hypnotics) work, in general, by increasing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter in the brain. Neuro...

Read the Sleep Disorder Drugs article »

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Mebaral

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Mebaral Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

MEPHOBARBITAL - ORAL

(me-foe-BAR-bi-tal)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Mebaral

USES: This medication is used to relieve anxiety and tension. Mephobarbital is also used to control seizures (tonic-clonic and absence types). Controlling and reducing seizures lets you do more of your normal daily activities, reduces your risk of harm when you loose consciousness, and lessens your risk for a possibly life-threatening condition of frequent, repeated seizures. Mephobarbital belongs to a class of drugs known as barbiturates. It works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain to produce a calming effect.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and use of other medications to treat seizures.

Take this medication regularly at evenly spaced intervals in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day to keep the amount of medicine in your body at a constant level.

This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as anxiety, shaking, trouble sleeping, weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, uncontrolled excitement, and seizures) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.

Though it is very unlikely to occur, this medication can also result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction/habit-forming). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed. This will lessen the chances of becoming addicted.

When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.