Glutethimide (Doriden)

Introduced 1954

Reviewed by the HeyPsych Medical Review Board

Board-certified psychiatrists and mental health professionals

Indications

Primary Indications

Insomnia (historical use)

Mechanism

Depresses the central nervous system, likely by enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission, resulting in sedation and hypnosis.

Dosing

Adult Dosing

historical: 250–500 mg at bedtime for insomnia (no longer recommended)

Dosage Forms

Tablets: 250 mg, 500 mg (discontinued)

Onset Duration

Onset within 30–60 minutes; duration of sedation approximately 4–8 hours.

Adverse Effects

Common Side Effects

• drowsiness

• dizziness

• impaired coordination

⚠️ Serious Side Effects

respiratory depression
hypotension
coma
death (especially with overdose or alcohol)

Warnings

Critical Safety Information

→High risk of dependence and withdrawal
→Potentially lethal in overdose
→Avoid concurrent CNS depressants

Interactions

With: Alcohol

Risk: Severe respiratory depression

Action: Contraindicated

With: Opioids

Risk: Additive CNS depression

Action: Avoid combination

With: Benzodiazepines

Risk: Increased sedation and overdose risk

Action: Avoid combination

Monitoring

Respiratory rate
Signs of misuse
Level of consciousness

Special Populations

👶Pregnancy

Category D—may cause fetal harm

🤱Breastfeeding

Not recommended

👧Children & Adolescents (Under 18)

Not recommended

👴Older Adults (65+)

Not recommended due to increased sensitivity and fall risk

Tapering

Gradual dose reduction recommended if discontinuing after prolonged use to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Clinical Notes

Once widely used as a barbiturate alternative for insomnia
Withdrawn from many markets due to abuse potential and safety concerns

This medication information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Never take medication without a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Interested in this treatment?

This information is for educational purposes. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.

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Glutethimide (Doriden)

Introduced 1954

Reviewed by the HeyPsych Medical Review Board

Board-certified psychiatrists and mental health professionals

Indications

Primary Indications

Insomnia (historical use)

Mechanism

Depresses the central nervous system, likely by enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission, resulting in sedation and hypnosis.

Dosing

Adult Dosing

historical: 250–500 mg at bedtime for insomnia (no longer recommended)

Dosage Forms

Tablets: 250 mg, 500 mg (discontinued)

Onset Duration

Onset within 30–60 minutes; duration of sedation approximately 4–8 hours.

Adverse Effects

Common Side Effects

• drowsiness

• dizziness

• impaired coordination

⚠️ Serious Side Effects

respiratory depression
hypotension
coma
death (especially with overdose or alcohol)

Warnings

Critical Safety Information

→High risk of dependence and withdrawal
→Potentially lethal in overdose
→Avoid concurrent CNS depressants

Interactions

With: Alcohol

Risk: Severe respiratory depression

Action: Contraindicated

With: Opioids

Risk: Additive CNS depression

Action: Avoid combination

With: Benzodiazepines

Risk: Increased sedation and overdose risk

Action: Avoid combination

Monitoring

Respiratory rate
Signs of misuse
Level of consciousness

Special Populations

👶Pregnancy

Category D—may cause fetal harm

🤱Breastfeeding

Not recommended

👧Children & Adolescents (Under 18)

Not recommended

👴Older Adults (65+)

Not recommended due to increased sensitivity and fall risk

Tapering

Gradual dose reduction recommended if discontinuing after prolonged use to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Clinical Notes

Once widely used as a barbiturate alternative for insomnia
Withdrawn from many markets due to abuse potential and safety concerns

Interested in this treatment?

This information is for educational purposes. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.

Locate Psychiatrists