Phenobarbital is used to try to control seizures for patients that have epilepsy. At A Forever Recovery, we know how easy it is to become addicted to these drugs even when they are started for medical reasons. Phenobarbital is a anticonvulsant, hypnotic drug and exist in a group of drugs called barbiturates and it slows down the activity of your nervous system and your brain.

Phenobarbital and Seizures

It is used for seizures from epilepsy, anxiety and short term it can be used for insomnia because it helps you sleep. It comes in tablet ,capsule and liquid form and is taken by mouth one to three times a day. Phenobarbital is habit forming if you take it for long periods of time. If you take Phenobarbital for insomnia you should not take it for more than two weeks. If you take more than what you are suppose to you could have slurred speech, unsteadiness and confusion. The worst symptoms could be unconsciousness and hard to breath. If you take Phenobarbital for a long period of time you can build up tolerance for it and the doctor may have to raise your dose so that you can get the effect you need.

Some common side effects associated with Phenobarbital:

Drowsiness
Stomachache
Depression
Dizziness
Headaches
Vomiting

The most severe side effects could be muscle and joint pain, nightmares and constipation. If you miss a dose you should take it as soon as you remember. While taking Phenobarbital you could actually be driving , on the phone, or even eating and you would not even remember doing it. Phenobarbital could be habit forming. You do not need to drink alcohol if you take Phenobarbital because it could increase your side effects.