Glutethimide (Doriden)

Glutethimide, also known by the brand name Doriden, is a sedative and hypnotic medication that is used to treat insomnia. It works by depressing the activity of the central nervous system and inducing sleep.

Glutethimide is available in the form of tablets and is typically taken orally. It is generally used for short-term treatment of insomnia and is not intended for long-term use.

Glutethimide can have potential risks and side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. It can also interact with other medications and can have potentially serious interactions with alcohol and other central nervous system depressants. It is important to follow the instructions of a healthcare provider or pharmacist when using glutethimide and to be aware of the potential risks associated with its use.

It is important to note that glutethimide is classified as a controlled substance in many countries and may be subject to abuse and addiction. It is important to use glutethimide as directed and to avoid abruptly stopping its use. Glutethimide is not widely available and is not commonly used in medical practice due to the potential risks associated with its use.

Glutethimide (Doriden) use

Glutethimide (Doriden) is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that was once used as a sedative and hypnotic medication. It was typically used to treat insomnia and was also sometimes used in the treatment of anxiety.

Glutethimide was discontinued in the United States in the 1980s due to its high potential for abuse and dependence. It is no longer available in the United States and is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning that it has a high potential for abuse and can lead to physical and psychological dependence.

If you have been prescribed glutethimide in the past and are currently taking it, it is important to speak with your doctor about alternative treatment options. Do not stop taking glutethimide without your doctor’s guidance, as sudden discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms.

It is important to be aware that taking glutethimide or any other medication without a prescription or outside of the direction of a healthcare provider is illegal and can be dangerous. If you have any questions about the use of glutethimide or any other medication, it is important to speak with your doctor.

Glutethimide (Doriden) effects

The effects of glutethimide can include drowsiness, relaxation, and a feeling of euphoria. It can also impair judgment and cognitive function, and may cause memory loss.

Glutethimide is associated with a number of risks and side effects, including:

Dependence: Glutethimide can be addictive and can lead to physical and psychological dependence.
Withdrawal: Glutethimide can cause withdrawal symptoms, including tremors, anxiety, and psychosis, when use is stopped.
Drowsiness: Glutethimide can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to think and react. You should not operate heavy machinery or drive while taking glutethimide.
Memory loss: Glutethimide can cause memory loss, including “blackouts” in which you are unable to remember events that occurred while you were under the influence of the drug.
Overdose: Glutethimide can cause overdose, which can lead to coma and death.

Other side effects of glutethimide may include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, tremors, and changes in heart rate and blood pressure. If you are experiencing any side effects while taking glutethimide, it is important to speak with your doctor. Do not stop taking glutethimide without your doctor’s guidance, as sudden discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Glutethimide (Doriden) contraindications

Glutethimide (Doriden) is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that was once used as a sedative and hypnotic medication. It is no longer available in the United States and is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning that it has a high potential for abuse and can lead to physical and psychological dependence.

Glutethimide should not be used by people who are allergic to it or to any of its components. It should also be used with caution in people with liver or kidney disease, as these conditions may affect the metabolism and clearance of the drug.

Glutethimide may interact with other medications and substances, including other CNS depressants, and can increase the risk of drowsiness and impaired judgment. Some drugs that can interact with glutethimide include:

Alcohol
Benzodiazepines (such as Valium, Xanax)
Opioids (such as oxycodone, hydrocodone)
Barbiturates (such as phenobarbital)
Other CNS depressants (such as antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants)

If you are taking any medications, it is important to let your doctor know before starting treatment with glutethimide. Your doctor can determine if glutethimide is safe for you to take and can adjust your doses of other medications as needed.

It is also important to avoid consuming alcohol or other CNS depressants while taking glutethimide, as these substances can increase the risk of drowsiness and impaired judgment. If you are experiencing side effects or are concerned about your use of glutethimide, it is important to speak with your doctor.

Glutethimide (Doriden) adverse effects

Glutethimide is associated with a number of risks and side effects, including:

Dependence: Glutethimide can be addictive and can lead to physical and psychological dependence.
Withdrawal: Glutethimide can cause withdrawal symptoms, including tremors, anxiety, and psychosis, when use is stopped.
Drowsiness: Glutethimide can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to think and react. You should not operate heavy machinery or drive while taking glutethimide.
Memory loss: Glutethimide can cause memory loss, including “blackouts” in which you are unable to remember events that occurred while you were under the influence of the drug.
Overdose: Glutethimide can cause overdose, which can lead to coma and death.

Glutethimide (Doriden) overdose

Overdose on glutethimide can be serious and can lead to coma and death. Signs of overdose may include:

Extreme drowsiness
Confusion
Slurred speech
Difficulty breathing
Decreased heart rate
Coma

If you or someone you know has taken an overdose of glutethimide, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not try to treat an overdose at home.

It is important to be aware of the risks of overdose and to use glutethimide only as directed by a healthcare provider. If you are experiencing side effects or are concerned about your use of glutethimide, it is important to speak with your doctor. Do not stop taking glutethimide without your doctor’s guidance, as sudden discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Glutethimide (Doriden) drug interactions

Alcohol
Benzodiazepines (such as Valium, Xanax)
Opioids (such as oxycodone, hydrocodone)
Barbiturates (such as phenobarbital)
Other CNS depressants (such as antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants)

Glutethimide (Doriden) pharmacology

Glutethimide works by inhibiting the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including GABA and norepinephrine, which can lead to sedation and relaxation. It also has hypnotic effects, which can help to induce sleep.

Glutethimide is metabolized in the liver and is primarily excreted in the urine. The half-life of glutethimide is approximately 10-18 hours, which means that it can remain in the body for a significant period of time after it is taken.

It is important to be aware of the risks and side effects of glutethimide and to use the drug only as directed by a healthcare provider. If you are experiencing side effects or are concerned about your use of glutethimide, it is important to speak with your doctor. Do not stop taking glutethimide without your doctor’s guidance, as sudden discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Glutethimide (Doriden) chemistry

Glutethimide is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C13H16N2O2. It is a white, crystalline powder that is soluble in water. Glutethimide is synthesized by reacting diethylmalonate with ethyl chloroformate, followed by hydrolysis and decarboxylation.

Glutethimide (Doriden) history

Glutethimide was first synthesized in 1952 by the pharmaceutical company Rorer and was approved for use in the United States in 1957. It was initially marketed as a safer alternative to barbiturates, which were commonly used as sedatives and hypnotics at the time. However, glutethimide was eventually found to have a number of risks and side effects, including dependence, withdrawal, and overdose.

Glutethimide was widely prescribed in the 1960s and 1970s, but its use declined in the 1980s as safer and more effective alternatives became available. It is no longer available in the United States and is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning that it has a high potential for abuse and can lead to physical and psychological dependence.

Glutethimide (Doriden) society and culture

Glutethimide was initially marketed as a safer alternative to barbiturates, which were commonly used as sedatives and hypnotics at the time. However, glutethimide was eventually found to have a number of risks and side effects, including dependence, withdrawal, and overdose. As a result, its use declined in the 1980s as safer and more effective alternatives became available.

Glutethimide has had a limited role in popular culture, although it has been mentioned in a number of works of fiction. It has also been used recreationally and has been associated with cases of abuse and overdose.