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Primidone

  • You are advised not to drink alcohol whilst you are taking primidone.
  • Drowsiness and unsteadiness are the main side-effects. Starting treatment with a low dose and increasing it gradually helps reduce these effects.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.

About primidone

Type of medicineAntiepileptic
Used forEpilepsy
Essential tremor (uncontrollable shaking usually of the hands)
Also calledMysoline®
Available asTablets

Primidone controls the convulsions (fits or seizures) in some forms of epilepsy by reducing the activity in the brain. It is also sometimes used to prevent essential tremor which is a condition in which there is uncontrollable shaking, usually of the hands.

Before taking primidone

Before taking primidone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have breathing problems.
  • If you have porphyria (a blood disorder).
  • If you have had any problems with drug or alcohol dependence.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take primidone

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take primidone exactly as directed by your doctor. It is usually taken twice a day although it may also be taken just once a day at bedtime. Your doctor will tell you which is right for you.
  • Your dose of primidone will be increased slowly over the first few weeks of treatment and you may need to have blood tests to make sure the dose you are receiving is right for you.
  • Try to take primidone at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • You must keep your regular appointments with your doctor or hospital so your progress can be checked.
  • Primidone may cause drowsiness. You are advised not to drink alcohol while you are taking primidone as it may increase these feelings of drowsiness.
  • People with epilepsy must stop driving. Your doctor will advise you about when it may be possible for you to resume driving again. This will usually be after a year free of seizures.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will want to reduce your dose very gradually as stopping suddenly can cause problems.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with primidone.

Can primidone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Light-headedness, unsteadinessGetting up or moving more slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down for a few moments before sitting or standing. If this continues let your doctor know
Drowsiness, weaknessMake sure your reactions are normal before doing any jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Feeling sickEat little and often. Stick to simple foods
Shortness of breath, visual changes, behaviour changes, mood changes (such as irritability, confusion, excitement or depression), hearing or seeing things that are not real, and skin rashesIf any of these become troublesome, speak to your doctor

Important: While you are taking primidone, there is a small risk that you may develop mood changes, distressing thoughts and feelings about suicide. If this happens, tell your doctor straight away.

Important: If you develop any of the following speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department:

  • a severe skin reaction which includes redness, ulcers and blistering,
  • fever, a sore throat, abnormal paleness or unexplained bruising or bleeding.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store primidone

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Mysoline®, Acorus Therapeutics Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2009, accessed May 2009.
  • British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2009DocID: 3559DocRef: dils2992Last Reviewed: 26 May 2009Version: 22
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