Do not take primidone if you have porphyria.
Discuss with your doctor any other medical conditions that you have and any medicines that you take, including over-the-counter preparations.
It is not known whether primidone will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Primidone passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take primidone without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Take primidone exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose of primidone with a full glass of water.
Primidone can be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.
Shake the liquid form of primidone well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the suspension with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
Do not stop taking your medication, even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking primidone to prevent your seizures from recurring.
Store primidone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking primidone and seek emergency medical attention:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-
a rash;
-
worsening of seizures; or
-
a fever.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take primidone and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
dizziness, poor coordination, or drowsiness;
-
blurred or double vision;
-
irregular back-and-forth movements of the eyes; or
-
nausea and vomiting.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Do not stop taking your medication even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking primidone to prevent your seizures from recurring.
Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Primidone may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can cause deep sedation or sleepiness. It may also increase the risk of seizures.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Primidone may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Primidone interacts with most other antiepileptic medicines.
Acetazolamide (Diamox), carbamazepine (Tegretol), ethosuximide (Zarontin), and methsuximide (Celontin) may all decrease the effects of primidone, and larger primidone doses may be necessary.
Phenytoin (Dilantin), ethotoin (Peganone), mephenytoin (Mesantoin), and isoniazid (Nydrazid) may increase blood levels of primidone. An adjustment of your primidone dosage may be necessary.
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) blood levels may be higher during therapy with primidone. An adjustment of the carbamazepine dosage may be necessary.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with primidone. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Seek emergency medical treatment.
Symptoms of a primidone overdose include dizziness; drowsiness; an uncoordinated feeling; nausea; vomiting; blurred vision; and irregular, rapid eye movements.