Where is Primidone used?

Primidone is a prescription used alone or with other medications to control seizures. This is in the family of medications called barbiturate anticonvulsants. This controls the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that happens during a seizure. Controlling and reducing seizures lets you do more of your normal daily activities and decreases your risk of damage when you lose awareness. This also decreases your risk for a life-threatening condition of repeated and frequent seizures. Primidone is a prescription approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

How does Primidone work?

Primidone stabilizes electrical activity in the brain. The brain and nerves are made up of several nerve cells. These cells connect over electrical signals. For them to work well, these signals must be sensibly controlled for the brain and nerves. It becomes over-stimulated when unusually rapid and repetitive electrical signals are released in the brain. There is also a normal function disturbed.

This medication avoids extreme electrical activity in the brain. This is assumed to stop sodium from inflowing nerve cells when they initiate to fire rapid electrical signals. An accumulation of sodium in the nerve cells is needed for the electrical signal to build up. It also passes on to the other nerve cells.  

How is Primidone taken?

Primidone is to be taken by mouth usually three to four times a day or as directed by your doctor. Each dose may be taken either with or without a meal. Take the tablet as a whole with a full glass of water.

The recommended dosage is based on your medical condition. Your doctor may direct you to start at a low dosage at bedtime and in time increase it to prevent side effects. It may take several weeks to reach the best dose for you. You should take the right dose, not more or less. For the best benefit from this product, take it regularly.

What are the possible side effects of Primidone?

Common side effects:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting

Let your doctor know right away if you have serious side effects such as:

• Loss of balance or coordination
• Slurred speech
• Unusual weakness
• Easy bruising or bleeding

What are the precautions in taking Primidone?

• Avoid drinking alcohol while having treatment with this medicine. It may make you drowsier.
• This medication might make you feel dizzy. Avoid doing any activity that requires your full alertness such as driving or operating machinery.  
• This may rarely cause problems with your blood cells. You should consult your doctor right away if you experience symptoms such as unexplained bruising or bleeding, mouth ulcers, and purple spots.
• Let your doctor know if you have any allergies before using this drug. This might have an inactive ingredient that reasons to an allergic reaction.  
• Tell as well your doctor if you have any medical history especially of lung disease, hormone problems, or certain vitamin deficiencies.
• If you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, before using Primidone, consult your doctor first.