Primidone

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to prevent seizures. It also is used to control certain tremors.

How does it work?

• Primidone slows the brain. It causes you to be calm and sleepy.

How is it best taken?

• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given. Shake well first.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• When taken for sleep may be on an as needed basis.
• Do not change dose or stop medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.
• Wear disease medical alert identification for seizure disorder.
• If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects. You could feel sleepy and shaky.
• You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and other medicines that slow your actions and reactions. This includes sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, or pain medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Limit caffeine (teas, coffee, colas) and chocolate intake.
• Make sure you have enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Talk to nutritionist.
• Tell healthcare provider if you have lung disease. You may be very sensitive to this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust while taking this medicine.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling tired and sleepy. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Unable to think clearly or concentrate on an activity; recent memory loss.
• Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.

What should I monitor?

• Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very nervous and excitable.
• Changes in balance, feeling shaky or unsteady.
• Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
• Too tired or sleepy.
• Difficulty breathing.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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