Amobarbital

In one particularly interesting section, they discuss research on using neuroimaging to replace the Wada test - the procedure where the barbiturate drug sodium amobarbital is injected into the carotid artery to temporarily disable one hemisphere of the brain. ❋ Unknown (2006)

A brief hospitalization is usually required, and IV sodium amobarbital is the treatment of choice. ❋ Michael Alan Taylor (1993)

Because of its rapid action and intermediate length of action, sodium amobarbital is the barbiturate of choice 281, 896. ❋ Michael Alan Taylor (1993)

Profound stupor associated with depression also responds to IV sodium amobarbital, thus permitting conversation between the patient and examiner, which often reveals depressive symptoms. ❋ Michael Alan Taylor (1993)

IV sodium amobarbital can be delivered fairly rapidly 100 mg/15 seconds. ❋ Michael Alan Taylor (1993)

She received three IM doses of sodium amobarbital during the next 24 hours, after which she became fully alert and asymptomatic. ❋ Michael Alan Taylor (1993)

Restraints or a show of force with a crisis team and initial sedation with sodium amobarbital are often required. ❋ Michael Alan Taylor (1993)

She was restrained, sedated with IV sodium amobarbital, and hospitalized. ❋ Michael Alan Taylor (1993)

These patients can be temporarily disinhibited by sodium amobarbital 250 mg IM or an intermediate- or long-acting benzodiazepine. ❋ Michael Alan Taylor (1993)

As the patient is in an altered state of consciousness, psychological intervention is inappropriate; rapid restraint and sedation with diazepam (10-15 mg IV) or sodium amobarbital constitute the best treatment (998). ❋ Michael Alan Taylor (1993)

When used in an emergency, sodium amobarbital should be administered IV. ❋ Michael Alan Taylor (1993)

If the physician believes the violence to be imminent after observing that the prospect of admission apparently does not calm the patient and an immediate definitive treatment (e.g., a barbiturate for sedative-hypnotic withdrawal, an anticonvulsant for epilepsy, physostigmine for anticholinergic delirium) has not been identified, the patient should immediately receive either sodium amobarbital for sedation, or IM haloperidol (20 mg; dosage can be higher based on the patient’s weight and general health). ❋ Michael Alan Taylor (1993)

Intravenous (IV) sodium amobarbital or a short-acting benzodiazepine in doses titrated to the patient’s behavioral response (usually 1-2 mg/kg of sodium amobarbital over 60-120 seconds) transiently resolves the stupor and permits the patient to speak, move about, and take nourishment and fluids. ❋ Michael Alan Taylor (1993)