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Phenobarbital

Phenobarbital Side Effects

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCPKristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Reviewed by Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP, Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 25, 2023

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Poor balance or coordination

Less Common Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Headache
  • Slowed heart rate
  • Fainting
  • Confusion

Phenobarbital serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Dangerously slow breathing: shortness of breath, bluish-colored lips, fingers, or toes
  • Serious allergic and skin reactions: sore throat, fever, fatigue, rash, hives, painful blisters, skin reddening, skin peeling
When do Phenobarbital possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Risk of sleepiness
Risk of dizziness
Risk of confusion
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

The following Phenobarbital side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Confusion (especially in the elderly)

dizziness, lightheadedness that continues, or fainting

eye pain

skin rash or hives

Incidence not known

Cough

difficulty with swallowing

fast irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse

fever

hives or welts

hoarseness

irritation

itching skin

joint pain, stiffness, or swelling

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

redness of the skin

shortness of breath

skin rash

tightness in the chest

trouble with breathing

wheezing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Constipation

decreased sweating

dryness of the mouth, nose, throat, or skin

Less common or rare

Bloated feeling

blurred vision

difficult urination

difficulty with swallowing

drowsiness

false sense of well-being

headache

increased sensitivity of eyes to light

loss of memory

nausea or vomiting

redness or other signs of irritation at the place of injection

trouble with sleeping

unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

Decreased interest in sexual intercourse

inability to have or keep an erection

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

loss of taste

For patients using scopolamine:

After you stop using scopolamine, your body may need time to adjust. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of scopolamine you were using and how long you used it. During this period of time check with your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects:

Anxiety

irritability

nightmares

pupil of one eye is larger (patch only)

sensitivity of eyes to light (patch only)

trouble in sleeping

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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