Cyclobarbital is a barbiturate drug used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, as a sedative, and for the control of seizures. It has also been used for the treatment of anxiety and withdrawal from alcohol. Cyclobarbital is a Schedule IV controlled substance and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. The most common side effects associated with Cyclobarbital include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, and nausea.
Cyclobarbital is a medication that was previously used as a sedative and hypnotic (sleep medication) but is no longer recommended due to its high risk of addiction and overdose. It belongs to a class of drugs called barbiturates, which work by slowing down activity in the brain.
Cyclobarbital was available in Russia as a fixed-dose combination with diazepam (brand name Reladorm) for the treatment of insomnia but was discontinued in 2019 due to safety concerns.
Here are some of the risks associated with cyclobarbital:
- Addiction: Cyclobarbital is highly addictive, and people who take it for long periods of time may develop a dependence on it. This means that they will need to take the drug in order to feel normal and will experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking it.
- Overdose: Cyclobarbital overdose can be fatal. Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, and coma.
- Impaired breathing: Cyclobarbital can slow down breathing, which can be dangerous, especially for people with sleep apnea or other breathing problems.
- Interaction with other medications: Cyclobarbital can interact with other medications, including alcohol, other sedatives, and pain medications. These interactions can increase the risk of side effects, including overdose.
Due to the safety risks associated with cyclobarbital, it is no longer recommended as a treatment for any medical condition. There are many other safer and more effective medications available for treating insomnia and other sleep disorders.