Mysoline is the brand name for barbiturate primidone, an extremely potent sedative that was initially used to treat epilepsy, anxiety, insomnia, and other sleep disorders. Like other barbiturates, Mysoline is rarely prescribed today because of many harmful side effects associated with its use and its very high potential for abuse, addiction, and overdose.
Presently, Mysoline is one of a handful of barbiturates still in use, and it’s only utilized by doctors for patients who have previously been resistant to safer medications. However, Mysoline is still legally available, and it’s also illicitly sold online. Thus, it’s still a very real danger.
Individuals who are allergic to phenobarbital should find alternative medications. Those who possess a genetic disorder called porphyria, which is a blood disease, should not use Mysoline. If you have a liver disease or lung or breathing problems, you must alert your physician before this medication is administered.
When the medication is used as prescribed, it is taken three to four times a day in tablet form. It is very addictive, which is why doctors will only prescribe this as a last resort. Those with a history of substance use disorders must speak with their doctor to consider alternative treatment
How Mysoline Works
As a barbiturate and central nervous system (CNS) depressant, Mysoline functions by creating powerful feelings of relaxation, sedation, and intoxication by slowing down activity within the nervous system.
By increasing the levels of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), your brain can adjust feelings of anxiety, stress, and fear by inhibiting the nerve impulses that carry these feelings to the brain. Mysoline mimics this natural GABA flow, so it binds with receptors in the brain, activates them over and over, and creates a surplus flood of GABA.
Signs of Mysoline Addiction?
Usually, it’s more difficult than many people would assume to identify the signs of Mysoline addiction. When people think of prescription medication abuse, they usually think of painkillers like Vicodin or OxyContin, benzodiazepines such as Xanax, or stimulants such as Adderall. Thus, Mysoline misuse and abuse may fly under the radar until it’s escalated to full-blown addiction. Physical and mental side effects of Mysoline abuse include;
- Periods of confusion
- Mood swings
- Impaired motor skills
- Frequent respiratory problems
- Dizziness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression
- Chronic drowsiness
Abuse evolves into addiction when someone loses the ability to control their drug use and slips into compulsive use, even if it starts negatively affecting their relationships, finances, and health.
After using Mysoline becomes the focus of an individual’s life, the behaviors corresponding to substance use disorders will become apparent. At this point, they will comprise:
- Increasing tolerance to Mysoline’s impacts
- Attempting to forge a prescription or acquire multiple prescriptions
- Becoming noticeably withdrawn and isolated
- Being unable to quit using Mysoline, even after many attempts
- Experiencing a significant decline in work or school performance
- Feeling unable to function or feel “normal” without taking Mysoline
- Having cravings when not using Mysoline
- Lying about or attempting to hide Mysoline use
- Paying for Mysoline with savings or valuables
- Using Mysoline outside of the prescribed dosage
- Using Mysoline without a prescription
Dangers of Mysoline
Mysoline and other barbiturates are hardly used today, which should be a strong indicator of their potential danger. Even using Mysoline as prescribed can have adverse side-effects. When misused, Mysoline can cause heart disease, osteoporosis, and permanent memory loss.
Mysoline has a very high risk of overdose, which only becomes more likely when someone uses it in combination with other depressants, like opioids or alcohol. Common signs of a Mysoline overdose comprise:
- Comas
- Confusion
- Dangerously slow and shallow breathing
- Dilated pupils
- Frequent unconsciousness
- Loss of muscle control
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Weak pulse
A Mysoline overdose can be more than enough to kill someone, but its complications can also prove deadly. They consist of an excess lung fluid buildup known as pulmonary edema and the failure of the heart, kidney, or liver.
An attempt to detox unattended will almost always fail as you may give in to the unforgiving withdrawal symptoms of this potentially deadly drug. As a safe alternative, contact the United Recovery Project for help with safe detox, treatment, and rehab. The chief objective is to ensure that our patients undergo medically assisted detox to ensure their safety, teach them to adopt and maintain a sober lifestyle, and that they don’t relapse using our alumni programs. We pride ourselves in being able to provide 24/7 medical care for all our patients especially those with severe cases. Our prime programs aim to heal patients physically and mentally too. We are confident we can cultivate sobriety in you or your loved one.
