PHENOBARBITAL DESCRIPTION: BARBITURATES - ORAL

PHENOBARBITAL is used for seizure disorders. It is also used as a short-term sleep aid (for insomnia), and for tension relief (e.g., before a medical procedure).

PHENOBARBITAL causes drowsiness and dizziness. Other side effects may include stomach upset, headache, weakness, grogginess or dreaming. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: chest pain, rapid heart rate, nosebleeds, confusion, hallucinations. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PHENOBARBITAL: Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. For insomnia, take 30 to 60 minutes prior to bedtime. Take PHENOBARBITAL exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed because PHENOBARBITAL can be habit-forming. Also, if used for a longer period of time, do not suddenly stop using this without first consulting your doctor. When used for extended periods, PHENOBARBITAL may not work as well and may require different dosing. Consult your doctor if the medication is not working well.

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially about: liver problems, blood disorders (porphyria), asthma, any allergies. Avoid alcohol while taking this as it can lead to extreme drowsiness. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Elderly persons are usually more sensitive to the effects of PHENOBARBITAL. Use cautiously. PHENOBARBITAL is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using PHENOBARBITAL. PHENOBARBITAL is excreted into breast milk though its effects on the nursing infant are unknown. Consult your doctor before you breast-feed.

Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), epilepsy medicine, cyclosporine, medication for depression. Also inform your doctor if you take any drugs that may cause drowsiness such as: narcotic pain medicines (e.g., codeine), antihistamines (e.g.,diphenhydramine), muscle relaxants, alcoholic beverages. Barbiturates can decrease the effectiveness of oral birth control pills. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about using other birth control methods. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe drowsiness , unconsciousness, unusually slow or fast heartbeat, slow or shallow breathing, cold or clammy skin, dizziness, change in the amount of urine, unusual change in the size of pupils, unusual movements of the eyes, sweating, or loss of coordination.

Do not share PHENOBARBITAL with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is almost time for the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.