Secobarbital sodium, a barbiturate, is FDA approved for the treatment of insomnia and for pre-anesthetic use. This drug binds at a distinct site associated with a Cl- ionopore at the GABAA receptor, increasing the duration of time for which the Cl- ionopore is open. The post-synaptic inhibitory effect of GABA in the thalamus is, therefore, prolonged. Adverse reactions are drowsiness, lethargy, hangover, paradoxical excitement in elderly patients, somnolence. Rifampin may decrease secobarbital levels by increasing metabolism.

Secobarbital sodium, a barbiturate, is FDA approved for the treatment of insomnia and for pre-anesthetic use. This drug binds at a distinct site associated with a Cl- ionopore at the GABAA receptor, increasing the duration of time for which the Cl- ionopore is open. The post-synaptic inhibitory effect of GABA in the thalamus is, therefore, prolonged. Adverse reactions are drowsiness, lethargy, hangover, paradoxical excitement in elderly patients, somnolence. Rifampin may decrease secobarbital levels by increasing metabolism.