Primidone
Information about Primidone
Primidone uses
Primidone is used in epilepsy/seizures.
How primidone works
Primidone controls seizures or fits by increasing the action of GABA, a chemical messenger which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
Common side effects of primidone
Drowsiness, Nausea, Vomiting, Vertigo, Low energy, Impaired coordination, Visual impairment, Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), Headache, Dizziness
Available Medicine for Primidone
Expert advice for Primidone
- Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
- Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.
- Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:
- Take a healthy diet along with regular exercise.
- Practice yoga every day.
- Get enough sleep at nighttime.
- Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/ laptop.
- Take your medication on time.
- It makes you feel dizzy and drowsy. Avoid driving and activity requiring mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Your doctor may get regular tests done to monitor the level of blood cells in your blood while taking this medication.
- Inform your doctor if you notice mood changes and suicidal thoughts while taking Primidone.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly, as it can reverse the seizures.
Frequently asked questions for Primidone
Primidone
Q. Is Primidone habit forming?
Yes, if you use Primidone for a long time, you may become dependent on it. Moreover, stopping the medicine suddenly may also lead to withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, you must inform your doctor before stopping the Primidone.
Q. Can I stop taking Primidone?
Do not stop taking Primidone even if you are feeling well, unless your doctor advises so. Suddenly stopping Primidone may cause unwanted effects commonly known as withdrawal symptoms. To prevent this, the dose of Primidone needs to be reduced gradually before completely stopping it.
Q. What should I tell my doctor before taking this medicine?
Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines including medicines for epilepsy or seizures, medicines used to thin your blood (e.g., warfarin), birth control pills, medicines to control bacterial infection (e.g., chloramphenicol, metronidazole, and doxycycline), medicines to control viral infection (e.g., nelfinavir), and asthma medicines (e.g., theophylline and montelukast), etc. Also, inform your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Further, you should tell the doctor if you have ever had liver problems, kidney problems, lung problems, or porphyria (a rare blood pigment disorder).