Primidone

Brand names

• Apo-Primidone
• Myidone
• Mysoline
• PMS-Primidone
• Sertan

Usage

To control certain types of seizures due to epilepsy.

How it works

Primidone is thought to depress the activity of certain parts of the brain and suppress the abnormal firing of neurons that causes seizures.

Side effects

Serious

Fever, sore throat, swollen glands, red or purple point like rash on the skin or mucous membranes, blistering or peeling skin lesions, mouth sores, easy bruising, paleness, weakness, confusion, lethargy, or seizures may be a sign of a potentially fatal blood reaction or other complication.

Common

Drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination, double vision, hyperactivity (in children).

Less common

Loss of appetite, mental or mood changes, nausea or vomiting, impotence, mild rash, lethargy followed by insomnia. There are numerous additional side effects associated with this medicament; consult your doctor if you are concerned about any adverse or unusual reactions.

Possible interactions

Other medicaments:

• 15% of primidone is converted to phenobarbital in the body. See the profile of phenobarbital for possible interactions with other medicaments.

Herbal medicines or minerals:

Valerian and kava kava may interact to increase drowsiness. Using kola or ma huang may result in unacceptable central nervous system stimulation. Increased calcium and vitamin D are prudent.
Talk with your doctor about calcium, vitamin D and K and folic acid supplements.

Alcohol:

Alcohol can greatly increase the sedative and depressant effects of this medicament on brain function.

Tobacco smoking:

May enhance the sedative effects of this medicament.

Occurrence of unrelated illness:

Notify your physician of any illness or injury that prevents the use of this medicament according to your regular dose schedule.

Discontinuation:

Do not stop this medicament without your physician's knowledge and approval. Sudden withdrawal of any anticonvulsant medicament can cause severe and repeated seizures.

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