Amytal is actually a brand name used for the white crystalline substance Amobarbital. Scientists originally developed it in 1923 in Germany. It soon found its way into treatment centres where mental health patients had their inhibitions reduced by the substance. Amytal also has the dubious of honour of becoming one of the few ‘truth serums’. After a few years of use, it was soon discovered that it actually caused the development of false truths, so it was stopped.
Amytal does have some medical uses, however. For those with mild insomnia it is prescribed to relax the taker by reducing brain and body activity. In hospitals, it is occasionally prescribed to calm patients down before they enter major surgery; the use of the drug in this manner has reduced in recent years, though.
At one point, it was even used by the US military in World War 2 to treat soldiers with shellshock in order to get them back out on the frontlines.
Interactions and Overdose
Amytal interacts with drugs to decrease their effectiveness, most of the time. It became particularly infamous when it reduced the effects of hormonal birth control. With drugs like caffeine and alcohol, it raises their effects.
Overdosing is relatively easy with Amytal due to how strong it is. The side effects of experiencing an overdose are severe confusion, low body temperature, impaired judgement, fever, and significant loss of physical strength.
Amytal Addiction Treatment
Treating an Amytal addiction begins by checking to see where the patient initially encountered the drug. For example, some people begin their addictions when they take the drug before a major surgery. The feeling is so delightful for them they find more of it when they leave the hospital. This can help determine the direction therapists need to take during their sessions.
