Primidone Withdrawal: An Introduction
Primidone Withdrawal Symptoms
The most important primidone withdrawal symptom is seizures. Suddenly stopping primidone can increase your risk of seizures. Also, stopping a seizure medication too quickly can cause you to have a different type of seizure (that you have never had before) or can cause extremely long seizures (known medically as
status epilepticus). Other possible withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety or irritability
- A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Nausea
- Shakiness (tremors)
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Insomnia.
In the body, primidone is converted into phenobarbital, a barbiturate medication that has the potential to be abused. It is thought that primidone may also cause dependence, especially if it is not taken as prescribed. If you think you may be experiencing primidone dependence (or you may be abusing primidone), do not be afraid to talk with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can help you deal with such problems. Because a primidone withdrawal can be life threatening, do not attempt to stop taking primidone on your own.
Limiting Primidone Withdrawal
Typically, your healthcare provider will suggest that you slowly stop taking primidone, in order to avoid seizures or other primidone withdrawal symptoms. Even if you are switching to another
epilepsy medication, your healthcare provider may still recommend slowly stopping primidone. The exact way your healthcare provider suggests you stop taking primidone will vary depending on your primidone dosage, how long you have been taking primidone, and whether you are starting a new seizure medication.
If you stop taking primidone before you have reached an effective dose of your new medication (or if your new medication does not work for you), you are still at risk for seizures. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider before stopping primidone. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you notice any bothersome symptoms after stopping primidone.
