Have you been prescribed Primidone? You must know these things

Have you or someone in your family been prescribed Primidone by your doctor for a condition that causes seizures, such as epilepsy? If so, it is very important to be fully informed about this medication. Because there are several things we need to be careful about when using this type of medication. So today, let's talk about this very simply, in a way that you can understand.

What is Primidone?

Simply put, Primidone is a medication that is used to control and prevent epilepsy, or what we commonly call 'seizures'. Sometimes the nerve cells in our brain become overactive. It's like a short circuit. That's when the seizure occurs. So what this medication does is calm down those overactive nerves. Then the seizure is controlled.

This medication may also be prescribed by doctors for other medical conditions. So if you have any questions about this, ask your doctor. In Sri Lanka, this medication is available under the brand name Mysoline.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

This is very important. Before you start taking this medicine, you should inform your doctor about any other medical conditions you have. Be sure to mention these things in particular:

• Kidney disease: If you have any kidney disease.
• Liver disease: If you have any liver disease.
• Porphyria: This is a relatively rare condition. If you know you have this disease, be sure to tell your doctor.
• Mental health issues: If you or anyone in your family has had depression, suicidal thoughts, or attempted suicide in the past, you should definitely mention it.
• Allergies: Tell us if you have any allergies to Primidone, Phenobarbital, other seizure medications, any other medications, foods, or dyes.
• Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or suspect you are pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother.

Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medication is suitable for you or not and the dosage to be given.

How should I use the medicine?

It is very important to follow these instructions when using this medicine.

• Swallow this pill with a glass of water.
• Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by the doctor. Do not skip doses.
• Even if you feel better, never stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.

If you stop taking the medication suddenly, your condition may worsen, meaning you may have more seizures. Therefore, if you stop taking the medication, you should do so gradually, following your doctor's instructions.

What if the dosage of the medicine is increased? (Overdose)

If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Unit (ETU) as soon as possible.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine

Primidone can interact with some other medications, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).

Things to keep in mind when taking medication

Be especially careful about birth control.

This is very important if you are a woman using birth control pills. Primidone may make your birth control pills less effective. This means that you may still be at risk of getting pregnant even if you are taking the pills. Therefore, be sure to talk to your doctor about using an additional form of birth control (such as condoms).

Sleepiness and attention

You may feel drowsy and dizzy when you first start taking this medicine. Therefore , avoid driving, working at heights, or using machines that require alertness until you get used to this medicine. If you are elderly, be careful when getting up from a sitting position. Otherwise, you may feel dizzy and fall.

Drinking alcohol

This medication is not compatible with alcohol. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of the medication and increase side effects (especially drowsiness).

Pay attention to mental well-being

This is a sensitive topic, but we need to talk about it. Some people may experience mood swings, anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts while taking this medication. If you are feeling this way, please don't suffer alone. Tell your doctor or someone you trust (family member, friend) right away. It is very important to get help as soon as possible.

Take care of vitamins

Long-term use of this medication may cause a decrease in vitamin D and folic acid levels in the body. Therefore, ask your doctor about eating a nutritious diet and taking additional vitamins if necessary.

What side effects might I experience?

Like any medicine, Primidone can have side effects, although not everyone gets them.

How do you protect your medicine?

• Keep out of reach of children and pets. This medicine can be fatal if accidentally ingested by someone, especially a child.
• Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius).
• Don't just throw unused pills in the trash. It's best to mix them with coffee grounds or cat litter, put them in a tightly sealed container, and throw them away.
• Do not use expired medicines.