Phenobarbital
About
Phenobarbital belongs to the class of medicines known as ' anti-convulsant drugs', indicated in the treatment of epilepsy and the symptoms associated with it like seizures. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which nerves present in the brain fail to function properly resulting in seizures, sensation, unusual behavior, and even sometimes loss of consciousness.
Phenobarbital consists of Phenobarbital which works by controlling the abnormal electrical activity in the brain thereby prevents and control seizures. Additionally, it calms down the excited chemical of the brain and makes a person relaxed so that the brain can function properly.
Take Phenobarbital as prescribed. Phenobarbital is usually recommended to take before bedtime so that a person can sleep well and medicine can work effectively. Your doctor will recommend you how often you take Phenobarbital based on your medical condition. Some patients taking Phenobarbital may experience unpleasant effects of this medicine that include drowsiness, lethargy, residual sedation, vomiting, and headache. Most of these side effects of Phenobarbital do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Don't increase or decrease the dosing strength of the medicine as the doctor may initially advise a lower dose of this medicine and then gradually increase the dose to prevent the chances of adverse reaction including dizziness, and drowsiness. This medicine should be used with caution in patients with liver disease, chronic pain, pituitary gland disorder, and pheochromocytoma. Persons who are allergic to Phenobarbital or any of its constituents or are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin are not allowed to take this medicine.
Uses of Phenobarbital
Medicinal Benefits
Phenobarbital belongs to a group of medications known as anticonvulsants that are used for the treatment of all types of epilepsy except absence seizures. This medicine works by controlling the abnormal electrical activity of the brain that causes seizures. Additionally, it also calms down the exciting chemicals of the brain so that a person feels relaxed. By controlling seizures, Phenobarbital allows a person to do daily activities and also reduces the risk of unconsciousness and repeated seizures.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Phenobarbital
- Excitation
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Phenobarbital is not recommended in patients with severe asthma or COPD, severe liver disease, porphyria, or a history of addiction to phenobarbital. Follow the doctor's advice if you are taking this medication in pregnancy as seizure control is important during pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are planning to be pregnant or pregnant. This is a habit-forming medicine so never advise it to anyone. Never start or stop taking this drug without asking the doctor. If a person stops taking it without asking the doctor then they could face withdrawal symptoms like hallucinations, twitching, anxiety, and trouble in sleeping. So dosage should be reduced gradually before stopping it completely.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Some of the medications that can interact with Phenobarbital include anti-inflammatory medication (Aspirin), Opioid medications (codeine, hydrocodone, methadone, buprenorphine/naloxone, tramadol), antiepileptic’s (oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, and sodium valproate), Antipsychotics (chlorpromazine), and Folic acid.. This is not a complete list of drug interactions, so tell your doctor every possible drug, herbal and non-herbal products, you are using.
Drug-Food Interaction: Phenobarbital may interact with alcohol and can cause serious addiction effects, so one should not consume alcohol.
Drug-Disease Interaction: The use of the name is restricted in medical conditions, including acute intermittent porphyria, severe respiratory depression, and severe renal or hepatic impairment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeBeing barbiturates, Phenobarbital is a habit-forming medication that can cause drug dependence in them. The risks of dependence get enhanced when coupled with alcohol, so do not drink alcohol to get more reliable results.
Pregnancy
safe if prescribedFollow all the directions given by the physician if you are taking Phenobarbital during pregnancy as convulsion control becomes very important during pregnancy, and the occurrence of a seizure could harm both mother and unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, they will suggest the right dose of medicine.
Breast Feeding
safe if prescribedPhenobarbital can only be given to breastfeeding mothers if strongly suggested by the doctor.
Driving
cautionPhenobarbital may cause drowsiness or dizziness and other symptoms that can affect the thinking ability of a person, so avoid doing such activity.
Liver
unsafePhenobarbital can not be indicated in patients with severe liver disease.
Kidney
cautionPhenobarbital can only be advised to patients dealing with kidney disorders if strongly suggested by a doctor.
Children
safe if prescribedPhenobarbital is safe for children if prescribed by a doctor. Initially the child feels sleepy, but soon the child will develop tolerance to the unpleasant effects of medication.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- The first thing a person should do is to quit smoking as smoking makes it difficult for Phenobarbital to work properly, increases the chances of epilepsy attacks, and even it damages the lungs. Better to quit it.
- Include vegetables and fruit in your diet that are packed with oxidants and improve brain health. This will prevent epilepsy attacks.
- Set asleep and waking up time and get about 7-8 hours of sleep.
- Fatigue is one of the primary reasons that trigger seizures in the body, so sleeping properly can help in relaxing the brain.
- Do not consume alcohol as it may raise the risk of epilepsy attacks.
- Keep yourself happy and avoid taking emotional stress as stress causes seizures. Persons who maintain healthy stress levels have reported that they have responded well to the medicine.
Special Advise
Diagnostic tests like Electroencephalogram, High-density EEG, Computerized tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help in diagnosing epilepsy.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Epilepsy: It is a chronic neurological disorder that is followed by repeated seizures. Usually, the neurons present in the brain generate electrical signals to communicate with each other. In epilepsy, these electrical signals get burst and imbalanced that affects the consciousness, sensations, and movements of the body. Some of the factors that can increase the risk of seizure include stress, sleep deprivation, tiredness, and alcohol use. The common symptoms of epilepsy are changes in the sense of taste, touch, smell, sight, hearing, dizziness twitching of limbs.
FAQs
Phenobarbital belongs to a class of medications known as barbiturate anticonvulsants/hypnotics. It works by controlling the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that occurs during a seizure. Additionally, it also calms down the exciting chemicals of the brain so that a person feels relaxed.
Yes, Phenobarbital is a habit-forming medicine that can cause serious drug addiction so one should talk to their doctor before quitting it completely.
Being barbiturates, Phenobarbital is a habit-forming medicine that can cause drug addiction in them. The dangers of addiction get increased when combined with alcohol, so do not consume alcohol to get better results.
Phenobarbital can be taken with or without food; however, there are chances of vomiting when taken on an empty stomach. It is better to take Phenobarbital with one glass of milk or after food to avoid stomach upset or as suggested by the doctor.
No, do not stop taking Phenobarbital without confirming with the doctor as it may worsen or cause a severe seizure. It is better to talk to the doctor as they may reduce the dosage before completely stopping it.
Phenobarbital can take about 2 to 4 hours in adults to show its beneficial action and stays in the body for 10 to 12 hours. It would be better to talk to the doctor for complete information.
