Phenobarbitone is prescribed to control seizures or fits. Phenobarbitone belongs to barbiturate group of medicines. In exceptional circumstances, it is also used to treat seizures that sometimes accompany a high fever in children.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the forgotten dose and take the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the forgotten dose.

Yes, Phenobarbitone may cause addiction in patients with a history of alcoholism and drug abuse if they take it for a prolonged time. Therefore, Phenobarbitone should be avoided in such patients.

Long-term use of phenobarbital can lead to changes in the soft tissues of the body. Symptoms include pain in the joints or thickening in areas such as the palm or the bottom of the foot. If you notice any changes of this kind, tell the doctor.

No, you should not stop taking Phenobarbitone without consulting your doctor. Sudden withdrawal can cause sleeplessness, anxiety, tremor, dizziness, feeling sick, fits and delirium. The dose of Phenobarbitone should be reduced gradually.

Swallowing more than the recommended doses may cause drowsiness, speech problems, jerky movements, jerky eye movements, loss of inhibition, reduced reflex response, low body temperature, low blood pressure and breathing problems. Contact your nearest hospital emergency services or your doctor immediately.

Phenobarbitone is useful in treating many kinds of seizures in children. It is often considered as the first choice to treat certain kinds of seizures in newborns. The child taking Phenobarbitone treatment may develop problems with behavior and learning. Side effects are much more likely to be troublesome if high doses are given or if too high a dose is given at the beginning of the treatment. It may be necessary to increase the dose very slowly over several months.

Phenobarbitone causes folic acid deficiency which is responsible for certain types of anemia (megaloblastic anemia) in some patients. But if you take folic acid, then it may decrease the levels of Phenobarbitone in your body. This may lead to seizures. Therefore, folic acid should be avoided.

Yes, suddenly stopping Phenobarbitone can cause withdrawal symptoms which include sleeplessness, anxiety, tremor, dizziness, nausea, fits, and delirium.

Yes, laboratory tests are available. If you feel excessively sleepy and experience tremor or balance issues or double vision, inform your doctor and get the levels checked.

You should take Phenobarbitone for the duration advised by your doctor. This drug has a habit-forming effect, therefore, its long-term use is not recommended.