amobarbital
drug
Also known as: Amytal
Quick Summary
Amobarbital is a barbiturate drug, typically administered as its sodium salt. It is used as a sedative to produce a calming effect and as a hypnotic to induce sleep. Barbiturates work by depressing the central nervous system. Amobarbital has an intermediate duration of action, lasting for 6 to 12 hours, and is used to treat insomnia. While effective, barbiturates have largely been replaced by benzodiazepines due to fewer side effects and lower abuse potential.12
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