Acute barbiturate intoxication and addiction to barbiturates are discussed in this technical bulletin. Acute barbiturate intoxication is discussed in detail, including etiology, pathological physiology, signs and symptoms, laboratory findings, and differential diagnosis. Treatment is divided into two phases, supportive treatment, and analeptic therapy. Electro-stimulation is mentioned. Pulmonary complications, and factors influencing the prognosis for recovery from coma due to acute barbiturate intoxication are discussed. Chronic barbiturate intoxication or barbiturate addiction is discussed in terms of etiology, patterns of abuse, pathological physiology, signs and symptoms, abstinence symptoms, laboratory findings, and differential diagnosis. Treatment involves a hospital stay where withdrawal can be achieved gradually. Common complications of barbiturate addiction are injuries resulting from a fall while intoxicated, or from a convulsion during withdrawal, and burns from falling asleep while smoking. A bibliography of 23 articles is included.
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