Description
Phenobarbitone belongs to a class of medicines called barbiturates. It is used to treat and prevent epilepsy (seizures). They also have hypnotic properties. This means, they slow down the activity of the brain and can make you feel sleepy or dizzy.
Phenobarbitone may be taken with or without food. However, it is advised to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor as it may be habit-forming with long-term use. If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
Some common side effects of this medicine include nausea, diarrhea, hyperactivity, depression, confusion, decreased blood pressure, and fatigue. It may also cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
Remember to consult your doctor if you notice severe rashes, especially accompanied by fever after taking this medicine. It should be noted that long-term use of this medicine can cause pain in joints also.
USES OF PHENOBARBITONE
Epilepsy/Seizures
Epilepsy is a disorder of the nervous system. In this condition, the disturbed nerve cell activity in the brain causes episodes of the characteristic epileptic seizures. Possible causes include genetic disorder, brain injury, stroke, infection, tumor, etc.
Anxiety disorder
Anxiety refers to sudden feeling of nervousness, fear, excessive worry and getting panicky. Feeling nervous at times of normal social situations, like exams, job interviews, speaking on stage (stage fear) etc., is considered normal. The type of anxiety that occurs for short time, like an hour, day, or a week, and goes away is called as short term anxiety. You may feel symptoms of anxiety, like, shakiness of hands, excessive sweating, pounding heartbeat, headaches, frequent urination or diarrhea, or muscle twitches, temporarily for the time being.
Treatment of insomnia
Insomnia is having problems with falling asleep or staying asleep. It is a common complaint occurring in almost one-tenth of the adults. Children also suffer from insomnia.
BENEFITS OF PHENOBARBITONE
In Epilepsy/Seizures
Phenobarbitone slows down electrical signals in the brain which cause seizures (fits). It can also help reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety. The medicine can allow you to do some activities that you would otherwise be forbidden or scared to do (such as swimming and driving). It can take a few weeks for this medicine to work (because the dose has to be increased slowly) and during this time you may still have seizures. Do not stop using this medicine even if you feel well, until your doctor advises you to. Missing doses may trigger a seizure.
Anxiety disorder
Phenobarbitone stops your brain from releasing the chemicals that make you feel anxious so it can reduce the symptoms of excessive anxiety and worry. It can also reduce feelings of restlessness, tiredness, difficulty concentrating, feeling irritable and sleep problems that often come with Anxiety Disorder. It will therefore help you go about your daily activities more easily and be more productive. Keep taking this medicine even if you feel well. Stopping suddenly can cause serious problems.
Insomnia
Phenobarbitone relaxes the patient and induces drowsiness assisting the patient in falling asleep.
SIDE EFFECTS OF PHENOBARBITONE
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Phenobarbitone
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Hyperactivity
- Depression
- Confusion
- Decreased blood pressure
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Excitement
- Hangover
HOW TO USE PHENOBARBITONE
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Phenobarbitone may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
HOW PHENOBARBITONE WORKS
Phenobarbitone controls seizures or fits by increasing the action of GABA, a chemical messenger which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
SAFETY ADVICE
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Phenobarbitone
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Phenobarbitone is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Breastfeeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Phenobarbitone is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby. Please consult your doctor.
Driving
UNSAFE
Phenobarbitone may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
CAUTION
Phenobarbitone should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Phenobarbitone may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Use of Phenobarbitone is not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease.
Liver
CAUTION
Phenobarbitone should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Use of Phenobarbitone is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.
