Luminal is the brand name for Phenobarbital a barbituate prescription drug that is normally prescribed by medical professionals in the treatment of insomnia, seizure disorders, or as a sedative that is used prior to surgery. Luminal use and abuse can be habit forming and lead to a prescription drug addiction if taken over a prolonged period of time. Luminal addiction can occur on both a mental and physical level.
Some of the side effects from Luminal use and abuse include the following symptoms; drowsiness or dizziness, slurred speech, problems with memory or concentration, excitement, upset stomach, constipation and headaches. The effects of Luminal dramatically increase with the consumption of alcohol and can be extremely dangerous when combined. Some of the withdrawal symptoms from Luminal include the following: including delirium, convulsions, and in some cases death. For individuals who are prescribed Luminal by a medical professional, the cessation of use should be gradual and overseen by a medical professional.
Luminal abuse is dangerous and prolonged or high dosage can increase the potential for drug overdose. Since this medication is fast acting, some of the symptoms of drug overdose can take place within 15 minutes of doseage. Some of the symtoms of overdose include depression of the central nervous system, decreased breathing, hypotension, and hypothermia, which can then lead to pulmonary edema and death. In instance of extreme overdose, the activity in the brain may stop, and result in brain death.
