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Primidone Coupon - Primidone 50mg tablet

primidone

Generic Mysoline
Used for Epilepsy
Used for Epilepsy

Primidone (Mysoline) helps control certain types of seizures. It's one of the older anti-seizure medications and usually not a first-choice option, since there are newer medications out there now that might be able to control seizures better.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Aileen Chu, PharmD, BCPS
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 12, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Primidone (Mysoline)?

What is Primidone (Mysoline) used for?

  • Generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures

  • Complex partial (psychomotor) seizures

  • Partial (focal) seizures

How Primidone (Mysoline) works

Primidone (Mysoline) is an antiepileptic (anti-seizure) medication. It's not clear exactly how it works to treat seizures, but it's thought to lower the amount of unusual electrical brain activity to help control seizures. The body metabolizes (breaks down) primidone (Mysoline) into different chemicals that also help calm the nerves in your brain; one of those chemicals is phenobarbital, a medication that's used for seizures and sedation.

Are you looking for information on prednisone instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsMysoline
Drug ClassAntiepileptic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$37.00(save 55.28%)
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$16.55
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What are the side effects of Primidone (Mysoline)?

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

  • Difficulty with movement or coordination
  • Feeling like the room is spinning (vertigo)

Other Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Poor appetite
  • Drowsiness
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling irritable
  • Feeling emotional or mood swings
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Double vision
  • Eye twitching
  • Rash

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Thoughts of hurting yourself or of suicide
  • Low blood cell counts: getting infections more often, bleeding or bruising more easily, feeling weak or short of breath more than usual

Source: DailyMed

The following 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:

More common

Shakiness and unsteady walk

unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination

Less common

Unusual excitement or restlessness (especially in children and in the elderly)

Rare

Chills

cough or hoarseness

fainting spells

fever and sore throat

fever with or without chills

general feeling of tiredness or weakness

irregular heartbeat

lower back or side pain

painful or difficult urination

pale skin

shortness of breath

skin rash

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Confusion

continuous, uncontrolled rolling eye movements

double vision

troubled breathing

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

Clumsiness or unsteadiness

dizziness or lightheadedness

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

sensation of spinning

Less common

Decreased sexual ability

drowsiness

loss of appetite

mood or mental changes

nausea or vomiting

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.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Primidone (Mysoline)

thumbs-up

Pros

Can be used on its own, or with other seizure medications for better seizure control

Available as a lower-cost generic form

thumbs-down

Cons

One of the older anti-seizure medications; there might be other medications that work better

Might take weeks for full seizure prevention effect

Might require regular blood tests for medication levels for dosing and side effects

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Primidone (Mysoline)

pharmacist

  • When you first start primidone (Mysoline), your provider will adjust your dose to make sure the medication works well for you. Sometimes, this might require bloodwork to check the levels of primidone (Mysoline) in your blood to get you to the target range. Make sure to get bloodwork done if your provider instructs you to.

    • Take primidone (Mysoline) with or without food. If you get upset stomach, taking it with food usually helps.

      • Primidone (Mysoline) only comes as a tablet. Talk to your provider about other options if you or your child has difficulty swallowing pills.

        • If you notice a change in your mood, thoughts, or feelings, or if your child is behaving abnormally after taking primidone (Mysoline), let your provider know. If you have thoughts of hurting yourself, call 911 or get medical help right away.

          • Primidone (Mysoline) can cause drowsiness, dizziness, difficulty with movement or coordination, or the feeling that the room is spinning, especially when first starting primidone (Mysoline) or after switching to a higher dose. These side effects usually go away with time as your body gets used to the medication, but let your provider know if they are too bothersome. Be careful driving or doing anything that requires concentration until you know how primidone (Mysoline) affects you.

            • Don't stop taking primidone (Mysoline) without talking to your provider first. Stopping it too suddenly can cause seizures due to withdrawal.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Primidone (Mysoline)

              What is primidone (Mysoline) used for?
              Primidone (Mysoline) is approved to treat certain seizure conditions. These types of seizures include generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures, complex partial (psychomotor) seizures, and partial (focal) seizures.
              Can primidone (Mysoline) be used for essential tremor?
              The American Academy of Neurology guidelines recommend primidone (Mysoline) as a first-choice option for essential tremor (involuntary shaking that's not caused by a nervous system condition). This is considered an "off-label" use of primidone (Mysoline), since it's not approved by the FDA to treat essential tremor, but has gained clinical evidence that it might be useful in relieving symptoms of the movement condition. Here is a neat article that talks about treatment options for essential tremor.
              Is primidone (Mysoline) a controlled substance?
              Primidone (Mysoline) is not a controlled substance, according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Interestingly, primidone (Mysoline) breaks down in the body to become phenobarbital, which is a schedule 4 controlled substance (C-IV).
              How quickly does primidone (Mysoline) work?
              For treatment of seizure conditions, it can take many weeks before you see the full effect of primidone (Mysoline). This is mainly because you have to start at a lower dose and raise it slowly over time (every few days or every week) to avoid getting too many side effects. So, it can take over a month or two before you get to the recommended maintenance (long-term) dose. For treatment of essential tremors, primidone (Mysoline) usually works pretty quickly. In one study, people saw a clear improvement in their tremors within 1 to 7 hours after taking a dose of primidone (Mysoline).
              What time of day should you take primidone (Mysoline)?
              When first starting primidone (Mysoline), you'll want to take it at bedtime so that you're less likely to deal with side effects, such as difficulty with movement or coordination, feeling that the room is spinning, drowsiness, or tiredness. These side effects tend to go away after awhile as your body gets used to the medication. Eventually, most people have to take this medication 3 to 4 times a day long term, and will usually take it at mealtime to avoid upset stomach.
              Is primidone (Mysoline) safe during pregnancy?
              There aren't enough studies to say whether taking primidone (Mysoline) during pregnancy is safe for your baby. There is a North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry that monitors the safety of anti-seizure medications during pregnancy. If you're currently pregnant and taking primidone (Mysoline), it's encouraged that you enroll in the registry to help researchers learn more about the risks. Enroll by visiting the website (link above) or calling 1-888-233-2334.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Primidone (Mysoline)?

              Primidone (Mysoline) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Suicidal thoughts or behavior

              Antiepileptic (anti-seizure) medications like primidone (Mysoline) can raise your risk of suicide or thoughts of suicide. Watch for any new or worsening depression and any unusual changes in mood, especially during the first few months of taking this medication or if your dose changes. Report anything concerning to your provider. If you have thoughts of hurting yourself, call 911 or get medical attention immediately.

              risk-warning

              Withdrawal seizures

              • Risk factors: Stopping primidone (Mysoline) suddenly

                Don't stop taking primidone (Mysoline) without talking to your provider first. Antiepileptic (anti-seizure) medications like primidone (Mysoline) shouldn't be stopped too suddenly, since this can lead to seizures due to medication withdrawal. If it's necessary to stop taking it, your provider will instruct you on how to lower your dose slowly over time.

                risk-warning

                Low blood cell counts with long-term use

                Rarely, primidone (Mysoline) can cause your blood cell counts to drop to dangerous levels. This is more likely to happen if the medication is taken for long periods of time. If you're taking primidone (Mysoline) long term, you might need to get bloodwork done on a regular basis to check that your blood cell counts and electrolyte levels are normal. Let your provider know if you're getting sick more often, bleeding or bruising more easily, or feeling weak or short of breath more than usual.

                dosage

                Primidone (Mysoline) dosage forms

                The average cost for 90 tablets of 50mg of Primidone (Mysoline) is $19.34 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 47.73% off the average retail price of $37.00.
                tablet
                Tablet
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                50mg90 tablets$19.34$0.21
                125mg30 tablets$19.17$0.64
                250mg90 tablets$16.55$0.18

                Typical dosing for Primidone (Mysoline)

                • Adults and children 8 years of age and older: The typical starting dose is 100 mg to 125 mg by mouth at bedtime. Your provider will raise your dose slowly until you reach a maintenance (long-term) dose. The typical maintenance dose is 250 mg taken three or four times a day, but some people might need more. The maximum dose is 500 mg taken four times a day.

                • Children under 8 years of age: The typical starting dose is 50 mg by mouth at bedtime. Your child's provider will raise the dose slowly until your child reaches a maintenance (long-term) dose. The typical maintenance dose is 125 mg to 250 mg taken three times a day, or 10 mg/kg to 25 mg/kg of body weight separated into multiple doses during the day.

                interactions

                Interactions between Primidone (Mysoline) and other drugs

                Primidone (Mysoline) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Primidone (Mysoline). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                How much does Primidone (Mysoline) cost?

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                Mysoline (brand)
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                contraindications-icon

                Primidone (Mysoline) contraindications

                Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Primidone (Mysoline) will not be safe for you to take.

                • Porphyria (a disorder that affects your blood cells)

                • Allergy to phenobarbital

                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Primidone (Mysoline)?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Primidone (Mysoline). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Primidone (Mysoline)
                Used for:

                • Generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures

                • Complex partial (psychomotor) seizures

                • Partial (focal) seizures

                $16.55 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Phenytoin (Dilantin)
                Used for:
                $20.32 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
                Used for:
                $40.12 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                images

                Primidone (Mysoline) images

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