Primidone is the non-proprietary name for an anticonvulsant medication used to reduce the frequency of seizures. In the barbiturate class of drugs, Primidone is effective but often overlooked in favor of newer anticonvulsants with less of a sedative effect.

Patients often buy Primidone to treat:

• Grand mal (tonic-clonic) seizures
• Psychomotor seizures
• Focal epileptic seizures
• Essential tremor

Primidone can be used on its own or with other seizure treatments. Some patients buy Primidone for other conditions unrelated to seizures, but these uses can be controversial. Patients who want to use Primidone for off-label purposes are advised to consult a doctor for a treatment guideline.

Primidone can be used in all ages, but parents should be aware that patients under 8 years old require modified dosing.

Treatment Guidelines

Primidone comes in tablets, usually taken 3 times per day but sometimes as often as 5 times per day. Food is optional, but may ease gastrointestinal side effects. For best results doses of Primidone should be taken at the same times each day, to help keep levels of the drug consistent in the body.

Dosage is always individualized. Patients buying Primidone for the first time should be aware that dosage is always titrated up from low amounts; this helps avert side effects. If switching from another medication to Primidone, the old medication will likely be gradually reduced as Primidone is gradually increased.

In patients age 8 and up treatment is usually:

• Start with 100 to 125 mg once per day at bedtime for the first three days.
• Days four to six, take 100 to 125 mg twice per day; morning and bedtime.
• Days seven to nine, take 100 to 125 mg three times per day; morning, noon, and bedtime.
• Day 10 on, take 250 mg three times per day.
• 250 mg three times per day is sufficient for most patients.
• Do not exceed 2 g (500 mg four times per day) in a single day.

Patients age 7 and under:

• Administer 50 mg once per day at bedtime for the first three days.
• Days four to six, administer 50 mg twice per day; morning and bedtime.
• Days seven to nine, administer 100 mg twice per day; morning and bedtime.
• Day 10 on, administer 125 mg three times per day; morning, noon, and bedtime.

The final maintenance dose will very possibly be different from the above, as, again, it is highly individualized. The lowest effective dose is always preferred, but some individuals will require higher doses for good effect. Likewise some patients have much better results when doses are taken more spread out through the day; instead of dividing total daily dosage into three smaller doses, a doctor may advise dividing total daily dosage into four or five smaller doses.

Treatment can continue for as long as it provides benefit. If treatment ends the medication should be gradually reduced over time. A doctor can help develop a discontinuation plan, which will likely resemble a reverse of the instructions above.

Before You Buy Primidone

Primidone lowers vitamin K levels, which can make it difficult for blood to coagulate. If unexplained or excessive bleeding is noticed, speak with a doctor. Patients taking blood thinners or who have clotting issues may not want to buy Primidone.

This product interferes with all hormonal birth control, be it pills, patches, or injections. Alternate forms of birth control should be considered.

Primidone can cause severe birth defects in unborn babies. However, seizures are also dangerous to unborn babies as well as mothers. Speak with a doctor if pregnancy is discovered while taking Primidone.

Most side effects associated with this medication are mild and stop occurring as the body adjusts to treatment in the first few weeks. Unfortunately a certain percentage of those who buy Primidone will experience more severe side effects, which warrant medical attention:

• Severe clumsiness
• Vision changes
• Unexplained bruising or bleeding
• Severe fatigue
• Weakness
• Slow heart rate
• Fast or shallow breathing
• Fainting

Numerous other medications can interact with Primidone, including those of the over-the-counter variety. Always double-check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing medications, including seemingly-innocuous over-the-counter treatments.