CHRONIC BARBITURATE INTOXICATION

Abstract

ISBELL and co-workers, in 1950, showed that the behavior and neurological status of five patients experimentally intoxicated with large amounts of barbiturates for 92 to 144 days resembled that of patients chronically intoxicated with alcohol. Also, convulsions and/or a delirium followed abrupt withdrawal of barbiturates from these chronically intoxicated persons. The purpose of the present communication is to extend the series of Isbell and co-workers, from 5 to 19 cases, in order that the variations in the clinical picture of barbiturate addiction, withdrawal, and recovery can be more completely delineated. In addition, a larger series would provide sufficient controls to permit evaluation of therapeutic regimens. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Five of the subjects included in this study were those used by Isbell and co-workers,¹ and they have been identified in both reports by the same code numbers, SI, S2, P3, P4, and A5. Fourteen additional male volunteers in general good