primidone - oral, Mysoline
GENERIC NAME: PRIMIDONE - ORAL (PRIM-i-done)
BRAND NAME(S): Mysoline
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects |
Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes |
Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used alone or with other medications to control seizures. Controlling and reducing seizures lets you do more of your normal daily activities, reduces your risk of harm when you lose consciousness, and lessens your risk for a possibly life-threatening condition of frequent, repeated seizures. Primidone belongs to a class of drugs known as barbiturate anticonvulsants. It works by controlling the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that occurs during a seizure.
HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using primidone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 3-4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose at bedtime and gradually increase your dose to prevent side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. If you are changing from a different anticonvulsant to primidone, your doctor may direct you to continue your old medication and slowly lower the dose as you begin taking primidone. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.Dosage is based on your medical condition, blood levels of primidone, use of other medications to treat seizures, and response to treatment. It may take several weeks to reach the best dose for you.This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.Do not stop taking this medication (and other anticonvulsant medications) without consulting your doctor. Your seizures may worsen or cause a very severe seizure that is difficult to treat (status epilepticus) when this drug is suddenly stopped.This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as anxiety, hallucinations, twitching, trouble sleeping) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. Withdrawal from primidone can be severe and include seizures and (rarely) death. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.Along with its benefits, this medication may rarely cause abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction). This risk may be increased if you have abused alcohol or drugs in the past. Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lessen the risk of addiction.Tell your doctor if your seizure control worsens (such as the number of seizures increases).
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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