Primidone
About
Primidone belongs to the group of neurological medication called 'anticonvulsant' used to control various epileptic conditions (fits), prevent seizures and treat shaking attacks (essential tremor). Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder characterized by a sudden rush of electrical activity in the brain leading to seizures, unusual behaviour, and loss of awareness. Primidone is ineffective for treating absence (petit mal) seizures.
Primidone contains 'Primidone', which increases the activity of a chemical messenger (GABA) that suppresses the brain's excessive and abnormal activity of nerve cells. Our brain cells (neurons) work by firing at a certain rate to function normally. However, during an epileptic attack or seizure, our neurons are forced to work rapidly compared to normal conditions. Primidone prevents neurons from working at a very fast speed, thereby preventing all brain cells from firing together rapidly in an uncontrolled way. As a result, episodes of seizures are stopped at their initial point only.
Take Primidone with or without food. You are advised to take Primidone for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as nausea, headache, vomiting, drowsiness, vertigo, visual impairment, low energy, impaired coordination, and nystagmus (involuntary eye movement). Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
To treat your condition, effectually continue taking Primidone for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Please do not skip any doses or stop taking Primidone suddenly without consulting your doctor, as it may lead to increased seizures. Avoid taking Primidone if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed. Primidone should not be given to children unless prescribed by a doctor. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Primidone as it might increase side effects. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are taking and your health condition to rule out any unpleasant side effects.
Uses of Primidone
Medicinal Benefits
Primidone belongs to the group of anticonvulsant medicines. It contains Primidone used to control epilepsy (fits). Primidone is also used to control and prevent fits during or after a severe head injury or brain surgery. Primidone is also used to treat trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain). Primidone works by controlling overactivity of the brain that causes seizures (fits). Thereby, Primidone helps in controlling epileptic fits involving spasms of the muscles and jerking.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Primidone
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Low energy
- Vomiting
- Vertigo
- Visual impairment
- Impaired coordination
- Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Primidone if you are allergic to any of its contents. Do not skip doses or stop taking Primidone suddenly without consulting your doctor, as Primidone may cause increased seizures. Talk to your doctor if you have heart, kidney, or liver problems. Avoid taking Primidone if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed by your doctor. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Primidone as it might cause unpleasant side effects. Primidone should not be used by children unless prescribed. Let your doctor know if you have diabetes, as intake of Primidone affects the blood sugar level. Intake of Primidone may cause dizziness, so be cautious while driving or operating heavy machinery.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Primidone may have interaction with a blood thinner (fluindione, phenindione, warfarin), other medicines used to treat epilepsy (phenytoin, felbamate, valproic acid, carbamazepine, lamotrigine), immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sirolimus, everolimus), steroids (dexamethasone, prednisone), antidepressants (lurasidone, lamotrigine), anti-cancer (cyclophosphamide), antimalaria (quinine), HIV medicines (boceprevir, cobicistat, lopinavir), asthma medicines (theophylline, montelukast).
Drug-Food Interaction: Primidone is known to interact with St. John's wort (an antidepressant herbal supplement).
Drug-Disease Interaction: Primidone may have interactions with heart problems, diabetes, asthma, alcoholism, porphyria (a rare inherited disorder of metabolism), blood disorders, and kidney or liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Primidone to prevent unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionDo not take Primidone if you are pregnant unless prescribed by the doctor. If you become pregnant while taking Primidone, then do not stop taking Primidone without consulting your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe Primidone only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will decide whether Primidone can be given to breastfeeding mothers.
Driving
cautionPrimidone may cause dizziness and drowsiness, drive and operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have liver problems or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionPrimidone can be given to children if prescribed by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Following a ketogenic diet (low in carbohydrates and high in fat) is recommended.
- Meditation, walking, involving in a task, and smelling a strong odour are a few self-control methods to prevent seizures.
- Acupuncture therapy may also be helpful.
- Rest properly. Avoid stress by doing meditation or yoga.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may advise you to get regular blood tests to check for any abnormality of blood and test the amount of Primidone in your blood.
- Monitor your blood sugar level regularly while taking Primidone.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Epilepsy: It is a central nervous system disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, leading to rapid fits/seizure episodes with unusual behaviour and loss of awareness. Fits/Seizure is a sudden rush of electrical activity in the brain. Lack of sleep, high fever, stress, bright lights, caffeine, certain medicines, alcohol, and skipping meals/overeating are a few of the most common triggers for seizures. The possible causes of epilepsy include traumatic brain injury, scarring on the brain after a brain injury, high fever, stroke, vascular diseases, lack of oxygen to the brain, brain tumours, and genetic disorders.
FAQs
Primidone works by controlling overactivity of the brain that causes seizures (fits). Thereby, Primidone helps in controlling epileptic fits involving spasms of the muscles and jerking.
Primidone can make birth control pills less effective. Talk to your doctor about using non-hormonal contraceptives like condoms and diaphragm with spermicide to prevent pregnancy.
Please do not stop taking Primidone without consulting your doctor as it may cause increased seizures. Continue taking Primidone for as long as your doctor prescribes it. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Primidone.
Yes, Primidone may cause swelling in the gums. Brush and floss your teeth daily; visit your dentist if you experience this problem regularly.
You should not take Primidone if you have liver disease, kidney disease, porphyria (an inherited disease that affects haemoglobin biosynthesis), alcohol dependence and suicidal thoughts.
Primidone may affect the breakdown of blood sugar/glucose and may prevent the release of insulin, thereby leading to high blood sugar. This is important if you have diabetes. So, contact a doctor before using Primidone in this condition.
