Methohexital
From Drug Rehab Wiki
Methohexital is the generic name for the brand name drug, Brevital Sodium. This particular drug is used to induce anesthesia prior to surgical procedures in adults and children who are older than one month of age. It has also been used to help induce sleep, either alone or in combination with other medications.
Methohexital is a barbiturate anesthetic which works by depressing the activity of the brain in an effort to inhibit painful sensations and inducing sleep. Methohexital sodium for injection is a freeze-dried, sterile, non-pyreogenic mixture that is freely soluble in water. The product is also oxygen sensitive.
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Abuses of Methohexital
As a Schedule IV drug in the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, Methohexital, or Brevital Sodium, may be habit forming. As a narcotic, this drug has the potential to produce dependence of the morphine type if it is abused. Dependence is likely if taken beyond its intended dosage and for long periods of time.
Methohexital is meant for anesthetic uses only and anything beyond that to achieve a desired high puts the individual at risk. It is easily abused when acquired through illicit means and repeated administration of the drug can result in psychic dependence, physical dependent and tolerance.
Effects of Methohexital
This particular medication is given by the vein under the supervision of a physician. An individual’s response to the medication is consistently monitored and dosage is dependent upon medical condition and response to the therapy. It is not unusual for pain and redness to occur at the injection site, as well as drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting or shivering may also occur.
Serious, but less common side effects include, burning sensation at the site of injection, changes in skin appearance, mental/mood changes, severe pain or redness in the leg, hiccups, cough, skeletal muscle twitching, seizures, low blood pressure and a fast, slow or irregular heartbeat.
Withdrawal of Methohexital
The consistent use of Methohexital can mimic some of the characteristics of alcohol intoxication, including euphoria, elation and inhibited behavior. Symptoms of withdrawal can occur 12-20 hours after the last dose of the medication and in some forms, can be life-threatening.
Withdrawal symptoms associated with cessation of Methohexital can include, but are not limited to:
· Anxiety
· Irritability
· Elevated heart rate
· Elevated respiration rate
· Muscle pain
· Nausea
· Tremors
· Hallucinations
· Confusion
· Seizures
Treatment of Methohexital
Although the consistent use and abuse of Methohexital should be difficult as it is general given in a hospital or clinical setting, the drug is still diverted for illicit use. As such, some do develop an addition to the drug and the withdrawal process can be unpleasant. The individual could have both a psychological and physical addiction, making it necessary to apply a comfortable detox method.
It is recommended that users taper off the medication slowly under the care of a board-certified physician and board-certified addiction psychiatrist. Entering a detox center for 24/7 treatment will ensure the individual rids their body of the drug completely. A quality treatment center will do a full physical on a patient to determine the right medications for this method, which is used to correct the chemical imbalances in the individual suffering with a Methohexital addiction.
