What is the most important information I should know about phenobarbital?
Phenobarbital may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking
phenobarbital and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an
allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.
Do not stop using phenobarbital without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel
better. You may have increased seizures if you stop using phenobarbital suddenly. You will
need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
Take phenobarbital only when you are getting ready for several hours
of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine.
Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving,
eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this
happens to you, stop taking phenobarbital and talk with your doctor about another treatment for
your sleep disorder.
Do not use phenobarbital without telling your doctor if you are
pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell
your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Phenobarbital can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about
using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to
prevent pregnancy while taking phenobarbital.
Phenobarbital may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person
it was prescribed for. Phenobarbital should never be shared with another person,
especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a
secure place where others cannot get to it.
What is phenobarbital?
Phenobarbital is in a group of drugs called barbiturates (bar-BIT-chur-ates). Phenobarbital
slows the activity of your brain and nervous system.
Phenobarbital is used to treat or prevent seizures. It is also used short-term to treat
insomnia, or as a sedative before surgery.
Phenobarbital may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking phenobarbital?
Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving,
eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this
happens to you, stop taking phenobarbital and talk with your doctor about another treatment for
your sleep disorder.
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to phenobarbital, or if you have
porphyria.
Before taking phenobarbital, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you
have:
severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD),
or other breathing disorder;
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take phenobarbital.
Phenobarbital may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person
it was prescribed for. Phenobarbital should never be shared with another person,
especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a
secure place where others cannot get to it.
Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are
pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell
your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Phenobarbital can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using
a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent
pregnancy while taking phenobarbital.
Phenobarbital can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use
this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
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