What sort of side-effects might occur if I am taking phenobarbital?
The table below will show you some of the main side effects you might get from phenobarbital or primidone.
|
Side effect |
What happens |
What to do about it |
|
COMMON (more than about 1 in 10 people might get these) |
||
|
Sleepiness |
You feel sleepy, drowsy or sluggish the next morning. |
This should wear off after a few weeks. Don't drive or use machinery. If it does not wear off, discuss with your doctor – it may be better to adjust the dose or try a different drug. |
|
Fatigue |
You feel tired all the time. This may happen early on in treatment and should go away. |
If you feel like this for more than a week after starting the drug, tell your doctor. It may be possible to adjust your dose slightly. |
|
Ataxia |
Being very unsteady on your feet. |
Your phenobarbital blood level may be too high. Contact your doctor now. A blood test may be needed. |
|
Depression |
Feeling low |
Your phenobarbital blood level may be too high. Contact your doctor now. A blood test may be needed. |
|
RARE (less than about 1 in 100 people might get these) |
||
|
Skin rashes |
Blotches seen anywhere. |
You may be allergic to the drug. Do not stop taking the drug (your fits could come back) but see your doctor now. |
Do not be worried by this list of side effects. Some people get no side effects at all and others may get some effects that are not listed in this table. Side effects tend to be worse with higher doses. Starting with a lower dose sometimes helps. If you think you might have a side effect to your medicine, you should discuss this with your doctor, nurse of pharmacist. You should also see the manufacturer's information leaflet.
Updated 12.11