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What is Primidone
PrimidoneThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryPrimidone is a medication used to treat essential tremor, grand mal seizures, psychomotor seizures, and focal epileptic seizures. It was developed in 1949 and approved by the FDA in 1954. Primidone can help control symptoms of these conditions and reduce the frequency of seizures.
Primidoneis the brand name
Primidone Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Primidone
Primidone
1978
73
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Primidone, also known as Primidone, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses including Seizures and Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) .Seizures
Helps manage Partial-Onset Seizures
Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE)
Helps manage Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE)
Effectiveness
How Primidone Affects PatientsPrimidone can help reduce the intensity of convulsions and tremors by changing how sodium and calcium are transported in the body. It is effective in doses between 50-1000mg per day, but those who plan to stop taking it should be aware that it can cause a medical emergency called status epilepticus.
How Primidone works in the bodyPrimidone can help reduce the frequency of nerve firings, which is thought to be what makes it effective in treating seizures and tremors. Primidone does not directly interact with GABA-A receptors or chloride channels, but its metabolites, phenobarbital and PEMA, do. Primidone works by changing how sodium and calcium move in and out of cells, which helps reduce nerve firing.
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Primidone is contingent upon the identified illness, which includes Tonic - clonic seizures, Seizures and Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE). The dosage shifts, as per the method of delivery (e.g. Tablet or Oral) specified in the table underneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Seizures
, 50.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 125.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Tremor, Essential
, 50.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 125.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE)
, 50.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 125.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Warnings
Primidone ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Porphyria
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Primidone may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Primidone Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
1,2-Benzodiazepine
Major
The metabolism of 1,2-Benzodiazepine can be increased when combined with Primidone.
3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid
Major
The metabolism of 3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid can be increased when combined with Primidone.
5-androstenedione
Major
The metabolism of 5-androstenedione can be increased when combined with Primidone.
6-O-benzylguanine
Major
The metabolism of 6-O-benzylguanine can be increased when combined with Primidone.
7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin
Major
The metabolism of 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin can be increased when combined with Primidone.
Primidone Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of primidone in rats is 1500mg/kg and 280mg/kg in mice. Symptoms of an overdose may include confusion, unconsciousness, shallow breathing, weak reflexes, low blood pressure, and little to no urine production. Treatment for an overdose should involve addressing the symptoms and removing any unabsorbed drug.
Primidone Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Primidone?
Currently, there are 4 active studies examining the potential of Primidone to reduce Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE), Tremor, Essential and Tonic - clonic seizures.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE)
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1
Seizures
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
Tremor, Essential
0 Actively Recruiting
Primidone Reviews: What are patients saying about Primidone?
5Patient Review
1/7/2016 I am a 71-year-old female and I take 50mg of Primodone three times daily to treat essential head tremors. It's been very effective for me, with the only notable side effects being occasional numbness in my hands and nightmares that lasted for a week or two after starting the medication.
5Patient Review
9/12/2015 Though the tremors did come back after a few months, I found the side effects of this medication to be worse than living with the tremors. I developed headaches and constipation, and started having scary hallucinations.
5Patient Review
4/21/2017 I've been noticing my essential tremors for a while now, and they were really starting to interfere with daily tasks by the time I was 60. After seeing a neurologist and being prescribed Primidone, though, I'm doing much better. No more dropped glasses or trembling lips!
5Patient Review
5/23/2017 This treatment has been a godsend. I've had shaky hands for as long as I can remember, but it's gotten progressively worse over the years to the point where it was embarrassing and difficult to function. This medication has completely stopped the tremors and restored normalcy to my hands.
5Patient Review
2/22/2016 I began taking this medication seven months ago at a lower dosage (125mg, twice daily), as per my doctor's instructions. Almost immediately, I experienced severe stomach problems, headaches, and fatigue. I cut back to the original dosage (125mg in the morning) but the side effects persisted. Now, I am going to discontinue use of Primidone altogether; in my opinion, it did not help reduce my tremor symptoms.
4.7Patient Review
1/7/2019 I find the pills easy to take, but I have noticed that my concentration has suffered since starting this medication.
4.3Patient Review
1/13/2016 At first, the dosage made me drowsy but it was effective in reducing my hand tremors. I'm now able to do things like eat and shave without shaking. Additionally, my dreams have become more vivid and often quite pleasant.
4.3Patient Review
10/20/2015 This treatment made a significant difference in my tremors; they're not gone, but considerably less noticeable. I work in an office and do a lot of typing, so this has been really helpful in reducing the number of double-letter errors I make because of the tremors.
4Patient Review
2/22/20153.7Patient Review
6/28/2016 I've been taking primidone for a long time now, and it has really helped to stabilize my seizures. I only have them occasionally now.
3.7Patient Review
8/7/2017 I'm still not sure of my dosage. The tablets are small and round - not square like the ones pictured here. I take two every morning and two every evening.
2.7Patient Review
2/1/2020 I slowly worked up to taking 200mg per day, but the tremors are still there. I'm waiting for a doctor's appointment to get permission to increase the dosage. So far, I haven't been satisfied with this treatment.
2Patient Review
11/21/2016 I began with the 25mg tablet as directed, but when I tried to cut a 50mg tablet in half (also as instructed), it shattered. So, instead, I upped myself to 50mg--which my doctor was okay with. Even still, I shake pretty badly. It's gotten to the point where I've ruined many shirts from spills while trying to eat. At night, I take primidone which has had no adverse side effects so far. Up next: 100mg at bedtime.
1.3Patient Review
5/17/2015 I was getting some strange dreams while taking this medication. I also felt great, though, and it helped with the shaking of my head.
1Patient Review
6/4/2018 I did not have any success with this treatment and, unfortunately, it made me feel seriously depressed to the point where I had to stay with friends for a few days. Out of all the antiepileptic drugs I've tried, this was by far the worst experience.
1Patient Review
2/14/2016 I didn't much enjoy the side effects of this medication, but they were still better than uncontrolled spells and seizures.
Patient Q&A Section about primidone
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Is primidone a sedative?
"The most common side effect of primidone therapy is sedation and drowsiness. Ataxia (lack of muscle coordination), diplopia (double vision), and nystagmus (involuntary eye movements) may occur when treatment is first started."
Answered by AI
What are the side effects for primidone?
"If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from a concussion: excessive tiredness, dizziness, difficulty coordinating movements, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, double vision, or uncontrollable eye movements."
Answered by AI
What is the drug primidone used for?
"Primidone is a medication used to control seizures. It can be used alone or in combination with other medications. It is an anticonvulsant that works in the brain tissue to stop seizures. This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription."
Answered by AI
Is primidone a narcotic?
"Primidone does not have any restrictions placed on it by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, even though it is converted into phenobarbital in the body, which is a type of drug that has some restrictions placed on it."
Answered by AI