Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking primidone as follows:
- Primidone use can result in depression of respiratory center in the brain, leading to slowing down of respirations with irregular and shallow breathing pattern. This can result in reduced gas exchange with elevated carbon-di-oxide and reduced oxygen levels in the body. Primidone should be administered with extreme caution in individuals with history of respiratory disorders, such as, asthma and COPD, as they stand high risk to present with depression of respiratory center with the medication. Low oxygen levels in the body with elevated carbon-di-oxide levels can contribute to altered levels of consciousness, sedation, slow & shallow breathing, severely compromised endurance and exercise tolerance, extreme fatigue, and promotion of seizure activity. Individuals with history of respiratory disorders must observe compliance with prescribed inhaler and nebulizer medications, if any. Report any new development or exacerbation of the above mentioned findings to your physician, to facilitate an appropriate change in your plan of care.
- Primidone intake can induce some dizziness and results in sleep. Starting primidone on a low dose and gradually increasing it to the desired dose for seizure control can help accommodate to the dizzy symptoms. If the dizziness becomes bothersome, report it to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered. Stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until they are used to the side effects caused by primidone.
