Skip to Main Content Skip to Site Map Skip to Accessibility Statement

4.1.3 Barbiturates

Prescribing Notes

  • Barbiturates (controlled drugs) should only be prescribed to patients already taking them, who have severe intractable insomnia, when attempts to discontinue treatment have been unsuccessful. New patients should not be started on barbiturates
  • Barbiturates are used in the treatment of epilepsy, tremor and anaesthesia (see BNF)