Is Phenobarbital Bad For You?
Also Known As: phenobarbitone
Short answer
If Phenobarbital is used for its intended purposes, then (apart from rare cases) it works well. As with all barbiturates, misuse can have serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. Do not use except for as directed by a physician.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Phenobarbital is a DEA schedule IV barbiturate that is used primarily as a sedative for patients undergoing surgery and also has further use as an anticonvulsant when applied in lower doses. Barbiturates all share barbituric acid, which does not have any CNS (central nervous system) activity on its own. CNS activity is supplied by substituting alkyl, alkenyl, or aryl groups on the pyrimidine ring. While Phenobarbital has been found to be safe to use in most cases, there are potentially harmful effects watch out for.
Phenobarbital should be avoided by those who: are pregnant, have a history of addiction, are hypersensitive to barbiturates, suffer from severe pain, and battle depression. In some rare cases, Phenobarbital has been found to impair the liver and in others to worsen the effects of respiratory disease. Additionally, people suffering from depression should not take Phenobarbital without approval from a doctor and close supervision, as the medicine may cause the depression to worsen and suicidal thoughts to take hold.
Possible side-effects of Phenobarbital include, but are not limited to restlessness, headache, and nausea. In more severe cases, the following symptoms may occur: dizziness, fainting, slow heartbeat, and shallow breathing. As with all medicines, Phenobarbital should be taken only as prescribed. If you experience any of the above side effects, it's imperative you consult your physician.
Possible short-term side effects
- nausea
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constipation
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headache
Possible long-term side effects
- liver malfunction
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suicidal thoughts
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depression
Possible withdrawal symptoms
- anxiety
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dizziness
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insomnia
Benefits
- effectively prevents seizures
-
sedates before surgery
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helps treat insomnia
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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