Was phenobarbital used in the 1960's for anxiety?

My mother told me that she would give us phenobarbital to help us sleep. The doctor would often give her a little white envelope with tiny mint green pills. They were in our medicine cabinet usually dumped out. I remember my brother and I helping ourselves to them when we brushed our teeth and sometimes more than one. We moved in 1971, so I suddenly stopped taking them. I spent much of my next school year crying and I would hear the clock tick louder and see things strange colors- apparently I was hallucinating. I would tell my mom that "it's happening again"! This took place off and on for the next 2 years. I also want to know for sure if this was withdrawals from the phenobarbital- that's the conclusion I came up with years ago. And does anyone know if there's long lasting effects to overdosing and what I experienced? I have anxiety issues, but I don't know if the drug is to blame.

Yes. I was given phenibarbitone in the 1960's when i was about 8 as I couldn't sleep and had nightmares. I remember it made me hallucinate. I still remember watching my bedroom walls go out miles and then come rushing back in. I don't think my mother ever questioned the doctor at all.

Yes.. in the 1960’s they did prescribe for school anxiety. I was also told I was given this medication over a period of a year for 1st grade. My mom told me they took me off of it because I was not as active and tired. What were they thinking back then!!!

Kll60; Yes this was one of the main things used back then, by itself and also in combination with other medications.

Barbiturates were popular in the 60's Used mostly for sleeping though.
The do cause major relaxation, wich would help anxiety issues. But I can't imagine giving it to a child, especially before school? You'd been a very sleepy kid. Can't answer that part for you. Ask some family members, maybe they will remember you taking it. xx