Amytal-sodium

What Is Amytal?

Amobarbital, more commonly known by the brand name Amytal or Amytal Sodium, is a type of barbiturate that is prescribed as a sedative-hypnotic. Barbiturates like Amytal were synthesized before benzodiazepine and have been used to treat anxiety disorder for many years, as a pre-surgery anesthetic and as a short term treatment for insomnia.

Since the rise in popularity of benzodiazepines like Xanax as anti-anxiety medication, barbiturates have become less frequently prescribed as benzodiazepines are seen as safer. Amytal Sodium is one of the very few barbiturates still prescribed today.

Amytal is only administered by a doctor or medical professional and is not intended for home use. If someone has Amytal on their person, they likely obtained it through illegal means.

What does Amytal look like?

Amytal often comes as an odorless white powder that is intended to be diluted in water, and also in pill and tablet form. Occasionally, the powder version is dissolved in a solution and administered intravenously.