Side Effects of Primidone
Type of Drug
Anticonvulsant; drug used to treat epilepsy and seizures.
How the Primidone Product Works
Primidone prevents or reduces the number of seizures by acting on the central nervous system to control the activity of nerve impulses in the brain.
Uses of The Primidone
To control grand mal, psychomotor or focal epileptic seizures, alone or in combination with other anticonvulsant drugs.
Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may prescribe may primidone for benign familial tremor.
Precautions
Do not use in the following situations:
- Allergy to phenobarbital porphyria
Use with caution in the following situations:
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Kidney disease
- Liver disease
Pregnancy: Reports suggest an association between use of anticonvulsant drugs by women with epilepsy and an increased number of birth defects in children born to these women. Other factors (eg, genetics or the epileptic condition) may also contribute to the higher incidence of birth defects. Most mothers receiving anticonvulsant medication deliver normal infants. Do not discontinue anticonvulsant drugs used to prevent major seizures. This could result in the occurrence of seizures and oxygen deficiency in body tissues and an increased risk to both the mother and the unborn child. In cases where seizures do not pose a serious threat, your doctor may recommend discontinuation of anticonvulsant's prior to and during pregnancy. It is not known whether even minor seizures constitute some risk to the developing embryo or fetus. Reports suggest that mother's use of anticonvulsant drugs, particularly barbiturates, is associated with a blood clotting defect in the newborn that may cause a bleeding problem within 24 hours of birth. It has been suggested that vitamin K be given to the mother one month prior to and during delivery, and to the infant, immediately after birth.
Breastfeeding: Primidone appears in breast milk. It may cause the infant to be unusually drowsy or sleepy. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.
Lab Tests: Lab tests may be required during treatment with primidone. Tests may include complete blood counts, liver and kidney function tests and blood levels of primidone.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with primidone. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with primidone.
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Acetazolamide (eg, Diamox)
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Carbamazepine (eg, Tegretol)
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Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone)
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Doxycycline (eg, Vibramycin)
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Griseofulvin (eg, Grisactin)
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Isoniazid (eg, Laniazid)
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Metoprolol (Lopressor)
- Propranolol (eg, Inderal)
Side Effects
Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many primidone users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:
Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite.
Nervous System: Drowsiness; clumsiness; mood changes; unusual weakness; tiredness; dizziness.
Other: Double vision; blurred vision; unusual movements of the eyes; fever; sore throat; decreased sexual ability; rash.
Guidelines for Use
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May cause drowsiness or sleepiness. Use caution when driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness.
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May cause stomach upset. May be taken with food.
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Do not stop taking this drug or change the dose without talking with your doctor. If you stop taking this drug suddenly, seizures may suddenly return.
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Carry Medic Alert identification listing your medical condition (epilepsy) and medications.
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Using this drug with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants may cause added drowsiness.
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See your doctor regularly when you begin taking this drug to ensure that you are getting the proper dosage. Lab tests will be needed to monitor therapy. Full effect may not be seen for several weeks.
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Contact your doctor if visual disturbance, rash, fever, sore throat, clumsiness or excessive sleepiness occurs.
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Oral suspension - Shake well before using.