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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jerrympls on November 24, 2004, at 20:33:04
I have severe insomnia - tried everything. So, my pdoc agreed to allow me to go back on the barbituate sleeping med. Nembutal (PENTOBARBITAL SODIUM). I say "go back on it" because about 6 years ago my doc put me on it for a couple months to help me get my sleep schedule back on track. It worked WONDERFULLY - BEST sleep I have EVER gotten. So I was pleased my pdoc was willing to try it.
However, I can't find a pharmacy that carries it. One pharmacy called me back and said their supplier said that it wasn't being distributed as of Nov. 1, 2004.
So, I'm confused - does "not distributed" mean they're not making it any longer? or just not distributing it to certain suppliers?? Also, other pharmacies I called laughed at me when I asked if they carried it.
Now, I can hear some of you telling me that it makes sense for it to no longer be used because of benzos, etc. But, I was able to get Chloral Hydrate the other day and THAT med has been around since 1832!!!
Anyone know anything about the discontinuation of Nembutal?? I'd appreciate any information.
Thanks!
Jerry
Posted by mmcconathy on November 24, 2004, at 22:05:03
In reply to What happened to NEMBUTAL?, posted by jerrympls on November 24, 2004, at 20:33:04
I dont belive it is actually being taken off the market, because there are many generic companies market Pentobarbital.
I taken Amytal and Seconal before, they do give you good rest, but tolerance is bad.
Take it for a short time 1-2 weeks, but take breaks from it, to keep tolerance down.
please dont overdose either, it is very easy with this medication.
Matt
Posted by Larry Hoover on November 24, 2004, at 22:33:55
In reply to What happened to NEMBUTAL?, posted by jerrympls on November 24, 2004, at 20:33:04
> I have severe insomnia - tried everything. So, my pdoc agreed to allow me to go back on the barbituate sleeping med. Nembutal (PENTOBARBITAL SODIUM). I say "go back on it" because about 6 years ago my doc put me on it for a couple months to help me get my sleep schedule back on track. It worked WONDERFULLY - BEST sleep I have EVER gotten. So I was pleased my pdoc was willing to try it.
>
> However, I can't find a pharmacy that carries it. One pharmacy called me back and said their supplier said that it wasn't being distributed as of Nov. 1, 2004.
>
> So, I'm confused - does "not distributed" mean they're not making it any longer? or just not distributing it to certain suppliers?? Also, other pharmacies I called laughed at me when I asked if they carried it.
>
> Now, I can hear some of you telling me that it makes sense for it to no longer be used because of benzos, etc. But, I was able to get Chloral Hydrate the other day and THAT med has been around since 1832!!!
>
> Anyone know anything about the discontinuation of Nembutal?? I'd appreciate any information.
>
> Thanks!
> JerryI honestly don't know what to make of that. Did you ask a large chain to order it for you? You could also get it from Canada, with a valid prescription. It's still an actively registered drug in Canada, assuming the same distribution problem doesn't exist there.
The drug is certainly still being made. It's part of some euthanization cocktails used by veterinarians.
Lar
Posted by jerrympls on November 24, 2004, at 22:41:10
In reply to Re: What happened to NEMBUTAL? » jerrympls, posted by Larry Hoover on November 24, 2004, at 22:33:55
> I honestly don't know what to make of that. Did you ask a large chain to order it for you? You could also get it from Canada, with a valid prescription. It's still an actively registered drug in Canada, assuming the same distribution problem doesn't exist there.
>
> The drug is certainly still being made. It's part of some euthanization cocktails used by veterinarians.
>
> Lar
>Hi Lar
I asked Walgreens and Synder drug (they told me it wasn't being distributed anymore). I have the prescription in hand. I tried looking at online pharmacies - cvs and drugstore.com but it wasn't listed in thier medication database. If I try and get it filled via a Canadian pharmacy - how amd I to know the good (legal) ones from the bad? OH - and even the hospital pharmacy (where I see my pdoc) didn't have it.
??? What to do?
Posted by Larry Hoover on November 25, 2004, at 4:48:34
In reply to Re: What happened to NEMBUTAL? » Larry Hoover, posted by jerrympls on November 24, 2004, at 22:41:10
>
> > I honestly don't know what to make of that. Did you ask a large chain to order it for you? You could also get it from Canada, with a valid prescription. It's still an actively registered drug in Canada, assuming the same distribution problem doesn't exist there.
> >
> > The drug is certainly still being made. It's part of some euthanization cocktails used by veterinarians.
> >
> > Lar
> >
>
> Hi Lar
>
> I asked Walgreens and Synder drug (they told me it wasn't being distributed anymore). I have the prescription in hand. I tried looking at online pharmacies - cvs and drugstore.com but it wasn't listed in thier medication database. If I try and get it filled via a Canadian pharmacy - how amd I to know the good (legal) ones from the bad? OH - and even the hospital pharmacy (where I see my pdoc) didn't have it.
>
> ??? What to do?That seems almost absurd, the trouble you're having finding it.
I'm afraid the Canadian option is out. I checked, and it's a controlled substance, and cannot be shipped to the US. It's available, though, so you could get it in person in Canada, but you can't just do the paper ordering.
If you're not too far from the border, the cost savings might cover much of the travel cost.
I'm sorry you're up against the wall, dude.
Lar
Posted by ed_uk on November 25, 2004, at 6:59:50
In reply to Re: What happened to NEMBUTAL? » jerrympls, posted by Larry Hoover on November 25, 2004, at 4:48:34
Hi,
If you liked Nembutal you'd probably like other barbiturate night sedatives as well. Nembutal isn't available in England (where I live) but other barbiturates are. You could ask you doc for a different barbiturate instead. Here are some examples of the barbiturates available in the UK, most of them are probably available where you live as well.......
Amytal® (Flynn)
Tablets, amobarbital (amylobarbitone) 50 mg
Dose: 100–200 mg at bedtimeSodium Amytal® (Flynn)
Capsules, both blue, amobarbital (amylobarbitone) sodium 60 mg, 200 mg
Dose: 60–200 mg at bedtimeSoneryl® (Concord)
Tablets, pink, scored, butobarbital (butobarbitone) 100 mg.
Dose: 100–200 mg at bedtimeSeconal Sodium® (Flynn)
Capsules, both orange, secobarbital (quinalbarbitone) sodium 50 mg, 100 mg
Dose: 100 mg at bedtimeTuinal® (Flynn)
Capsules, orange/blue, a mixture of amobarbital (amylobarbitone) sodium 50 mg, secobarbital (quinalbarbitone) sodium 50 mg.
Dose: 1–2 capsules at bedtime
I'm not even going to mention the risks associated with barbiturates because I'm sure you've heard it all before!!!All the best.......
Ed.
Posted by jerrympls on November 25, 2004, at 7:55:35
In reply to Re: What happened to NEMBUTAL?, posted by ed_uk on November 25, 2004, at 6:59:50
> Hi,
>
> If you liked Nembutal you'd probably like other barbiturate night sedatives as well. Nembutal isn't available in England (where I live) but other barbiturates are. You could ask you doc for a different barbiturate instead. Here are some examples of the barbiturates available in the UK, most of them are probably available where you live as well.......
>
> Amytal® (Flynn)
> Tablets, amobarbital (amylobarbitone) 50 mg
> Dose: 100–200 mg at bedtime
>
> Sodium Amytal® (Flynn)
> Capsules, both blue, amobarbital (amylobarbitone) sodium 60 mg, 200 mg
> Dose: 60–200 mg at bedtime
>
> Soneryl® (Concord)
> Tablets, pink, scored, butobarbital (butobarbitone) 100 mg.
> Dose: 100–200 mg at bedtime
>
> Seconal Sodium® (Flynn)
> Capsules, both orange, secobarbital (quinalbarbitone) sodium 50 mg, 100 mg
> Dose: 100 mg at bedtime
>
> Tuinal® (Flynn)
> Capsules, orange/blue, a mixture of amobarbital (amylobarbitone) sodium 50 mg, secobarbital (quinalbarbitone) sodium 50 mg.
> Dose: 1–2 capsules at bedtime
>
>
> I'm not even going to mention the risks associated with barbiturates because I'm sure you've heard it all before!!!
>
> All the best.......
> Ed.
Hi ed-Thanks for the info. I've been on Nembutal before and am well aware of the risks. I never abused it while I was on it and I was only on it for 4 weeks. It's just a real help to get my sleep schedule back on schedule. I get the most peaceful relaxing sleep.
Perhaps I'll try one of the others if my doc allows. I'm desparate since nothing's working. This insomnia is keeping off work on medical leave so I need to get back on tarck soon!
Thanks again!
Jerry
Posted by ed_uk on November 25, 2004, at 8:22:08
In reply to Re: What happened to NEMBUTAL? » ed_uk, posted by jerrympls on November 25, 2004, at 7:55:35
Hi Jerry,
I didn't think you were abusing it. Just thought I'd mention the risks because somebody might have complained if I didn't!!
Btw, have you used chloral hydrate before? Do you find it as effective as pentobarbital?
In England we've also got an ancient hypnotic called chlormethiazole (Heminevrin). Ever tried it?
All the best...
Ed.
Posted by mmcconathy on November 25, 2004, at 15:03:15
In reply to Re: What happened to NEMBUTAL? » jerrympls, posted by ed_uk on November 25, 2004, at 8:22:08
Hey Jerry
What medications did you take before considering Nembutal.
Have you tried Halcion? i kind a have a hint Ambien did not work for you.
Halcion (trizolam) sometimes increases daytime anxiety, which is the only bad effect.
How long has your trial been for switching medications?
Tell your doctor about this situations and ask him if would consider Seconal (secobarbital), which is similar to Nembutal.
Keep me Updated
Matt
Posted by jerrympls on November 25, 2004, at 16:39:48
In reply to Re: What happened to NEMBUTAL?, posted by mmcconathy on November 25, 2004, at 15:03:15
> Hey Jerry
>
> What medications did you take before considering Nembutal.
>
> Have you tried Halcion? i kind a have a hint Ambien did not work for you.
>
> Halcion (trizolam) sometimes increases daytime anxiety, which is the only bad effect.
>
> How long has your trial been for switching medications?
>
> Tell your doctor about this situations and ask him if would consider Seconal (secobarbital), which is similar to Nembutal.
>
> Keep me Updated
>
> MattHey Matt-
Here's what I have tried for insomnia. All of them - especially the benzos - started out working well, but pooped out after a week:
BENZOS
Halcion
Restoril
Dalmane
Serax
Ativan
Valium
Klonopin
Xanax
Librium
DoralSEMI-BENZOS
Ambien
Sonata ( never worked at all)Barbituates
NembutalANTIHISTAMINES
Benedryl
Atarax (Vistaril)ANTIDEPRESSANTS
Remeron (too much weight gain)
Amitriptyline
Serzone
TrazodoneANTI-PSYCHOTICS
Seroquel (works well, but too much hangover and weight gain)MISC
Neurontin
Tegretol
Clonidine
Propoxyphene (opiate)
Valarian
Kava Kava
5-HTP
Chloral Hydrate (doesn't seem to be working)I also practice good "sleep hygiene" listen to music, walk, no caffeine, audio books, etc.
So as you can probably tell my insomnia is very tough. I'm going to contact my pdoc as soon as I can and see if he can find a pharamcy that dispenses it - or can order it - and if not then perhaps Seconal?
Jerry
Posted by jerrympls on November 25, 2004, at 16:40:02
In reply to Re: What happened to NEMBUTAL? » jerrympls, posted by ed_uk on November 25, 2004, at 8:22:08
> Hi Jerry,
>
> I didn't think you were abusing it. Just thought I'd mention the risks because somebody might have complained if I didn't!!
>
> Btw, have you used chloral hydrate before? Do you find it as effective as pentobarbital?
>
> In England we've also got an ancient hypnotic called chlormethiazole (Heminevrin). Ever tried it?
>
> All the best...
> Ed.
>
>
Hi ed-Yeah I've tried Chloral Hydrate. Doesn't do a thing for me unfortunately :-(
Posted by mmcconathy on November 25, 2004, at 17:21:06
In reply to Re: What happened to NEMBUTAL? » mmcconathy, posted by jerrympls on November 25, 2004, at 16:39:48
Im almost fliped back in chair and passed out, i've never seen so many medications in my life.
Restoril didnt work? that's a pretty potent benzo.
Well ask about Seconal, or TUNINAL! very effective barbiturate for severe sleep problems, contains secobarbital (2-3 hours) and amobarbital (4-6 hours) so that work for you.
But i cant convice your doctor, but maybe mention Seconal or Tuninal, if Nembutal is a pain in the ass.
Keep me updated
Matt
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 25, 2004, at 17:54:45
In reply to Re: What happened to NEMBUTAL?, posted by mmcconathy on November 25, 2004, at 17:21:06
> maybe mention Seconal or Tuninal, if Nembutal is a pain in the [*]ss.
Please don't use language that could offend others.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post(s), should of course themselves be civil.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 25, 2004, at 17:56:24
In reply to Re: What happened to NEMBUTAL? » jerrympls, posted by Larry Hoover on November 24, 2004, at 22:33:55
> please dont overdose either, it is very easy with this medication.
>
> Matt> It's part of some euthanization cocktails used by veterinarians.
>
> Lar
>Jerry, are you suicidal?
Bob
Posted by jerrympls on November 25, 2004, at 18:44:58
In reply to Re: What's happening with you? » jerrympls, posted by Dr. Bob on November 25, 2004, at 17:56:24
> > please dont overdose either, it is very easy with this medication.
> >
> > Matt
>
> > It's part of some euthanization cocktails used by veterinarians.
> >
> > Lar
> >
>
> Jerry, are you suicidal?
>
> BobAm I suicidal? Honest to God I'm not. I don't think my pdoc would prescibe this if he had ANY suspicion that I was planning or contemplating suicide. I've been on this med before and used it always as directed. Besides, my doc only gave me a short supply and I see him in week. Am I coming across as suicidal?
Posted by Larry Hoover on November 25, 2004, at 22:24:00
In reply to Re: What's happening with you? » jerrympls, posted by Dr. Bob on November 25, 2004, at 17:56:24
I'm sorry to mention pentobarbital in the context in which I did. It was thoughtless.
Lar
Posted by paulbwell on November 25, 2004, at 23:09:44
In reply to Re: What happened to NEMBUTAL? » jerrympls, posted by Larry Hoover on November 24, 2004, at 22:33:55
> > I have severe insomnia - tried everything. So, my pdoc agreed to allow me to go back on the barbituate sleeping med. Nembutal (PENTOBARBITAL SODIUM). I say "go back on it" because about 6 years ago my doc put me on it for a couple months to help me get my sleep schedule back on track. It worked WONDERFULLY - BEST sleep I have EVER gotten. So I was pleased my pdoc was willing to try it.
> >
> > However, I can't find a pharmacy that carries it. One pharmacy called me back and said their supplier said that it wasn't being distributed as of Nov. 1, 2004.
> >
> > So, I'm confused - does "not distributed" mean they're not making it any longer? or just not distributing it to certain suppliers?? Also, other pharmacies I called laughed at me when I asked if they carried it.
> >
> > Now, I can hear some of you telling me that it makes sense for it to no longer be used because of benzos, etc. But, I was able to get Chloral Hydrate the other day and THAT med has been around since 1832!!!
> >
> > Anyone know anything about the discontinuation of Nembutal?? I'd appreciate any information.
> >
> > Thanks!
> > Jerry
>
> I honestly don't know what to make of that. Did you ask a large chain to order it for you? You could also get it from Canada, with a valid prescription. It's still an actively registered drug in Canada, assuming the same distribution problem doesn't exist there.
>
> The drug is certainly still being made. It's part of some euthanization cocktails used by veterinarians.
>
> Lar
>
No, fair call Lar. It (Numbutal) is indeed, along with other Barbs, being used by Vets for that purpose, and sadly, I saw a doco on TV a while back, on assisted sui**** is a favourite Med for this sad purpose.*These are facts*
Posted by ed_uk on November 26, 2004, at 4:22:44
In reply to What happened to NEMBUTAL?, posted by jerrympls on November 24, 2004, at 20:33:04
Hi Jerry,
Was pentobarbital the most effective hypnotic you ever took? .....or did it poop out really quickly?
I think you'd probably like Seconal. It's very similar to Nembutal.
Ed.
Posted by jerrympls on November 26, 2004, at 18:20:59
In reply to Re: What happened to NEMBUTAL?, posted by ed_uk on November 26, 2004, at 4:22:44
> Hi Jerry,
>
> Was pentobarbital the most effective hypnotic you ever took? .....or did it poop out really quickly?
>
> I think you'd probably like Seconal. It's very similar to Nembutal.
>
> Ed.Hi Ed-
It was the most effective hypnotic - but tolerance comes on quickly. I was only able to take it for 1-2months before switching to something else.
Posted by mmcconathy on November 26, 2004, at 20:24:58
In reply to Re: What happened to NEMBUTAL? » ed_uk, posted by jerrympls on November 26, 2004, at 18:20:59
Posted by mmcconathy on November 27, 2004, at 14:51:47
In reply to Re: What happened to NEMBUTAL? » ed_uk, posted by jerrympls on November 26, 2004, at 18:20:59
I would the time period would be the 40's and early 50's.
Was it used for anxiety? or its always been a sleep med only.
Luminal and Amytal i belive were more standard anxiety meds used back around WW2.
Does any one know what else was used?
Posted by jerrympls on November 27, 2004, at 14:55:45
In reply to Re: Was Nembutal used for panic attacks?, posted by mmcconathy on November 27, 2004, at 14:51:47
> I would the time period would be the 40's and early 50's.
>
> Was it used for anxiety? or its always been a sleep med only.
>
> Luminal and Amytal i belive were more standard anxiety meds used back around WW2.
>
> Does any one know what else was used?They are extremely powerful hypnotics - I can't see how they'd be used for anxiety.
Posted by ed_uk on November 27, 2004, at 17:58:42
In reply to Re: Was Nembutal used for panic attacks? » mmcconathy, posted by jerrympls on November 27, 2004, at 14:55:45
Hi,
Short-acting barbiturates were sometimes used for anxiety. The doses were usually much lower than the doses used for insomnia.Ed.
This is the end of the thread.
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