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Phenobarbital |
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What is Phenobarbital and why is it prescribed? Phenobarbital, a barbiturate, is used as a sleep aid and in the treatment of certain types of epilepsy, including generalized or grand mal seizures and partial seizures. Phenobarbital can be habit-forming. You may become tolerant and physically and psychologically dependent with continued use. Never increase the amount of Phenobarbital you take without checking with your doctor. How should you take Phenobarbital? Follow your doctors directions for taking Phenobarbital. If you are taking Phenobarbital for seizures, do not discontinue it abruptly. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once. Store Phenobarbital at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Are there any Phenobarbital side effects? Phenobarbital side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Phenobarbital side effects may include abnormal thinking, aggravation of existing emotional disturbances and phobias, agitation, anemia, angioedema (swelling of face around lips, tongue, and throat, swollen arms and legs, difficulty breathing), allergic reactions (localized swelling, especially of the eyelids, cheeks, or lips, skin redness and inflammation), anxiety, confusion, constipation, decreased breathing, delirium, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, drowsiness, excitement, fainting, fever, hallucinations, headache, increased physical activity and muscle movement, irritability and hyperactivity in children, lack of muscle coordination, low blood pressure, muscle, nerve, or joint pain, especially in people with insomnia, nausea, nervousness, nightmares, psychiatric disturbances, rash, residual drowsiness, restlessness, excitement, and delirium when taken for pain, shallow breathing, sleepiness, slow heartbeat, slowdown of the nervous system, sluggishness, softening of bones, temporary cessation of breathing, vertigo, and vomiting. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Phenobarbital? If Phenobarbital is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Phenobarbital may increase the effects of alcohol. Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking Phenobarbital. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Phenobarbital with Antidepressant drugs known as MAO inhibitors (including Nardil and Parnate), Antihistamines (such as Benadryl), Blood-thinning medications (such as Coumadin), Doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin), Griseofulvin (Fulvicin-P/G, Grifulvin V), Narcotic pain relievers (such as Percocet), Oral contraceptives, Other epilepsy drugs (such as Dilantin, Depakene, and Depakote), Other sedatives (such as Nembutal and Seconal), Steroids (such as Medrol and Deltasone), or Tranquilizers (such as Xanax and Valium). Are there any special warnings about Phenobarbital? Remember that Phenobarbital may be habit-forming. Make sure you take the medication exactly as prescribed. Phenobarbital should be used with extreme caution, or not at all, by people who are depressed, or have a history of drug abuse. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are in pain, or if you have constant pain, before you take Phenobarbital. Phenobarbital may cause excitement, depression, or confusion in elderly or weakened individuals, and excitement in children. If you have been diagnosed with liver disease or your adrenal glands are not functioning properly, make sure the doctor knows about it. Phenobarbital should be prescribed with caution. Barbiturates such as Phenobarbital may cause you to become tired or less alert. Be careful driving, operating machinery, or doing any activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how you react to Phenobarbital. |
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