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Drug group - Barbiturates
Street names
Seggies, seckies
Brand name
Seconal Sodium. (Flynn)
Drug effect
Depressant (downer). Effects last for 3 to 6 hours
Description
Orange capsules 50mg and 100 mg
Therapeutic use
Insomnia
Street use
Swallowed and injected
Dependency
Yes
Withdrawal
Withdrawal begins within 24 hours of last dose, peaks after 2 days, and fades after 8 days. Symptoms include irritability, insomnia, fainting, nausea and delirium. Sudden withdrawal may result in seizures which can be fatal. Sleeplessness may continue for 5-6 weeks.
Long term use
Pneumonia and bronchitis
Insomnia
Impaired memory, judgement and co-ordination
If injected - infection risk, circulatory damage, abscesses and ulceration caused by irritant nature of drug.
Overdose risk
Overdose deaths are common amongst heavy users who may overdose with 10 times the normal therapeutic dose. There is also a risk of death due to hypothermia. Overdose risks increase if barbiturates are mixed with other drugs such as cocaine, opiates or alcohol.
Legal status
Prescription Only Medicine
Class B, Schedule 2
Class A if prepared for injection
Illegal to possess without a prescription and to supply to others.
SPECIAL NOTE
Seconal Sodium. is a dangerous drug because of overdose risk, seizures following sudden withdrawal, and hypothermia risk.