Primidone tablet
What is this medicine?
PRIMIDONE is a barbiturate. This medicine is used to control seizures in certain types of epilepsy. It is not for use in absence (petit mal) seizures.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- porphyria
- suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
- an unusual or allergic reaction to primidone, phenobarbital, other barbiturates or seizure medications, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:
This medicine may also interact with the following:
- cancer-treating medications
- cyclosporine
- disopyramide
- doxycycline
- female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
- medicines for mental depression, anxiety or other mood problems
- medicines for treating HIV infection or AIDS
- modafinil
- prescription pain medications
- quinidine
- warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be 2 to 3 weeks before you see the full effects of this medicine. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine, you may increase the risk of seizures. Your doctor or health care professional may want to gradually reduce the dose. Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you have epilepsy, and carry a card that lists all your medications.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.
The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.
What side effects may I notice from taking this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- blurred, double vision, or uncontrollable rolling or movements of the eyes
- redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- unusual excitement or restlessness, more likely in children and the elderly
- unusually weak or tired
- worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- clumsiness, unsteadiness, or a hang-over effect
- decreased sexual ability
- dizziness, drowsiness
- loss of appetite
- nausea or vomiting
This list may not describe all possible side effects.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature, approximately 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
