How does it work?


Sodium amytal capsules contain the active ingredient amobarbital sodium (previously called amylobarbitone sodium in the UK). Amobarbital is a type of medicine called a barbiturate. It causes drowsiness and is used to induce sleep.

Barbiturates work by enhancing the action of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are stored in nerve cells in the brain and nervous system. They are involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells. GABA is a neurotransmitter that acts as a natural 'nerve-calming' agent. It helps keep the nerve activity in the brain in balance, and is involved in inducing sleepiness, reducing anxiety and relaxing muscles.

Amobarbital increases the activity of GABA in the brain, thereby increasing its calming effect and resulting in sleepiness.

Amobarbital remains active in the body for many hours and so may cause sleepiness that continues into the next day.

Amobarbital is used in the treatment of severe sleeping difficulties (insomnia). It is only prescribed to people who are already taking barbiturate medicines and will not be started in new patients. This is because it has a high potential for dependence and addiction and has more side effects and interactions with other medicines than other treatments for insomnia. It is also more dangerous if an overdose is taken.