Generic Mysoline

Mysoline is generically prescribed as primidone and is commonly used to treat seizures. Mysoline has been used to control tremors although the American Food and Drug Administration has yet to approve Mysoline for this purpose. While it is not completely clear why Mysoline is effective at controlling seizures and tremors although it seems to alter the chemical impulses in the brain which cause seizures and tremors.

Mysoline is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical history should be assessed prior to prescribing Mysoline, including a list of current medications. Patients with a medical history which includes porphyria can not take Mysoline. At this time, there are no other conditions that are known to be negatively affected by Mysoline.

The American Food and Drug Administration rated Mysoline as a pregnancy risk category C. It has yet to be determined whether or not this medication will cause harm or birth defects in an unborn fetus. Mysoline has been shown to pass through the mother’s breast milk and might affect a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should not prescribe this medication to women who are pregnant or nursing, or who have a high likelihood of becoming pregnant.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Mysoline. Some side effects may be severe and require immediate emergency medical attention. An allergic reaction is the most severe side effect and may present with symptoms which include facial swelling, such as swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects may include fevers, worsening seizures, or a rash. These symptoms should be taken seriously.

Less serious side effects typically do not require emergency medical attention, but patients should be encouraged to report all side effects. Side effects can often be reduced by reducing the dosage of Mysoline to a more tolerable level. Less serious side effects may include symptoms such as poor coordination or a periodic loss of coordination, dizziness, drowsiness, irregular back and forth movements of the eyes, nausea, and vomiting. Physicians should be sensitive to side effects and attempt to find a dosage that offers the least amount of tolerable side effects, as most patients take Mysoline long term.

Mysoline should be taken exactly as it has been prescribed. Any time a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid the potential for an overdose. If an overdose is suspected the patient should acquire immediate emergency medical attention. An overdose may present with symptoms which include a loss of coordination, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurry vision, irregular eye movements, and rapid eye movements.

Some medications may interact with Mysoline. A thorough medical history which includes the understanding of current medications should be evaluated prior to prescribing this medication. Patients should be instructed to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, even over the counter medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Medications with a known interaction with Mysoline include antiepileptic medications, acetazolamide, carbamazapine, ethosuximide, methsuximide, phenytoin, ethotoin, mephenytoin, and isoniazid.

Patients should be urged to carry or wear a medical alert bracelet to display the fact that they are taking Mysoline in the event they are unable to speak. A medical identification tag may prevent a lethal combination of emergency antisiezure medications from being given in an emergency.