Muscles may be either flaccid or rigid. Try to keep overdose victim awake by talking. If individual falls asleep or becomes unconscious, watch for sudden cessation of breathing. Maintain an open airway to promote unobstructed breathing. Barbiturate dependence occurs rapidly.
Barbiturate withdrawal is a serious and extremely dangerous medical emergency.
Initially introduced as a prescription drug in 1965 it already had a reputation as a drug of abuse in other countries. This led to its widespread abuse until it was listed as a Schedule II drug and removed from the market in 1973. There is still some level of occasional abuse. This drug has an intermediate duration of action. It is first removed by the liver and placed in the bile.