Phenobarbital Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Phenobarbital, a barbiturate, is used as a sleep aid and in the treatment of certain types of epilepsy, such as generalized or grand mal seizures and partial seizures

Phenobarbital Dosage

• If you are using Sedation, then the usual starting dose of phenobarbital is a single dose of 30 to 120 milligrams.
• If you are using Anticonvulsant, then the usual starting dose is 3 to 6 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day.

Uses of Phenobarbital

• It is used for the treatment of various types of epilepsy.
• It may also be used to treats other medical conditions those are listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Phenobarbital

Before taken Phenobarbital medicine, you should discuss the side effects with your doctor. If any develop or change in intensity, then you should inform your doctor as soon as possible. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Phenobarbital. Side effects may include:

• Allergic reaction
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Lethargy
• Nausea
• Oversedation
• Vertigo

Warnings and precautions before taking Phenobarbital:

• Phenobarbital should be used with extreme caution, if you have a history of drug abuse.
• If you are taking Phenobarbital, then it may cause excitement, depression, or confusion in elderly or weakened individuals, and excitement in children.
• You should tell your doctor if you are in pain, or if you have constant pain, before you take phenobarbital.
• After taken this medicine, then you may feel dizzy, or drowsiness. So you should not participate in any activities that require alertness such as driving and operate machinery.

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking Phenobarbital with certain other drugs, then the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. So it is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Phenobarbital with the following:

• Antihistamines such as Benadryl
• Blood-thinning medications such as Coumadin
• Doxycycline
• Griseofulvin
• Narcotic pain relievers such as Percocet
• Oral contraceptives
• Steroids such as Medrol and Deltasone
• Tranquilizers such as Xanax and Valium

Overdose

After taken Phenobarbital if you feel that overdose is suspected, then you should contact with your doctor immediately. Because it may lead to another serious effect. Symptoms of a Phenobarbital overdose include:

• Congestive heart failure
• Diminished breathing
• Extremely low body temperature
• Fluid in lungs
• Involuntary eyeball movements
• Kidney failure
• Lack of muscle coordination

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