Phenobarb® Tablets for Seizures

Phenobarb is a barbiturate medicine used to help control seizures and for short-term sedation when appropriate. This page explains how it works, safety considerations, and how to place your order with US delivery from Canada without insurance.

What Phenobarb Is and How It Works

Phenobarb® contains phenobarbital, a long-acting barbiturate. It enhances the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. By increasing GABA activity, it can reduce abnormal electrical activity that leads to seizures. The medicine may also produce sedation, which is why dosing and timing matter.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

This treatment has been used for decades in epilepsy care. It may be prescribed alone or with other antiseizure therapies. Learn more about seizure conditions in our Seizures resource.

Who It’s For

This medicine is prescribed to manage certain seizure types in adults and children, as directed by a clinician. It may also be used for short-term sedation in closely supervised settings. People with severe breathing problems, liver failure, or a history of porphyria should generally avoid it. Those with substance use disorders may be at higher risk for misuse or dependence.

Use caution if you are older, have depression, low bone density, or sleep apnea. Discuss pregnancy planning and breastfeeding with your prescriber, as barbiturates can affect the fetus or infant. Review your full medication list to check for interactions.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing is individualized. Follow your prescription label exactly. Many patients take it once daily, often in the evening because of drowsiness. Take tablets with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food; choose a consistent approach that fits your routine.

Do not increase, decrease, or stop this therapy without guidance. Stopping suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms or seizure recurrence. If your clinician adjusts dosing, changes are usually gradual. Keep a seizure and side effect diary to discuss at follow-ups, and bring your current medication list to every visit.

Alcohol and cannabis can increase sedation. Until you know how you respond, avoid driving or operating machinery. If you miss clinic appointments or lab checks, reschedule promptly so monitoring stays on track.

Strengths and Forms

Tablets are commonly available in several strengths, including Phenobarbital 64.8 mg tablets, and other sizes such as 16.2 mg, 32.4 mg, and 97.2 mg. Availability can vary by manufacturer and market. Your prescriber will select the strength and schedule that best match your treatment plan.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is close to your next scheduled dose. If it is nearly time, skip the missed dose and resume your usual time. Do not double up. Consistent timing helps maintain steady levels. Setting phone reminders or using a pill organizer can support adherence.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in a dry place, away from moisture and direct light. Keep them in the original, child-resistant container with the label intact. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

When traveling, carry the labeled container and a copy of your prescription. Pack enough for your trip plus extra in case of delays. Keep medicines in your carry-on, and consider time zone shifts to maintain a consistent schedule. If airport security asks, show the labeled container. Avoid pill organizers if traveling internationally unless you also carry the original bottle.

Benefits

This medicine can help reduce seizure frequency when taken as prescribed. The long-acting profile may support once-daily schedules for some patients. It is a well-known option with a long clinical history. Many people appreciate tablet dosing and the availability of multiple strengths for tailored regimens.

Side Effects and Safety

• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Impaired coordination
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Memory or concentration changes
• Skin rash

Serious effects are less common but may include severe rash, breathing problems, mood changes, bone health effects, blood disorders, or liver issues. Barbiturates can be habit-forming with prolonged use. Do not stop abruptly; withdrawal can include anxiety, tremor, and seizures. Seek urgent care for severe rash, trouble breathing, suicidal thoughts, or signs of overdose such as extreme sedation or unresponsiveness.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Phenobarbital is a strong enzyme inducer. It can lower levels or effects of many medicines, including oral contraceptives, warfarin, some antivirals, certain heart medicines, and other antiseizure drugs. It may increase sedation when combined with opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other CNS depressants. Always review new prescriptions and over-the-counter products with your healthcare professional.

For a helpful overview, see our article on Drug Interactions. If you rely on hormonal birth control, ask your prescriber about backup contraception.

What to Expect Over Time

You may feel drowsy when starting therapy or after dose changes. This often lessens after your body adjusts. Consistency is key. Take doses at the same time each day and keep regular follow-ups. Your clinician may discuss bone health, vitamin D, and fall risk if treatment continues long term.

Never make changes on your own, even if seizures improve. If you and your prescriber consider alternative options later, a careful taper may be planned. Learn more about seizure conditions and living well with epilepsy in our Epilepsy guide.

Compare With Alternatives

Other approved antiseizure options may be considered if this treatment is not suitable or not fully effective. Examples include Lamotrigine and Banzel®. Your prescriber may also discuss Aptiom. Each option has different mechanisms, dosing schedules, and interaction profiles. Decisions depend on seizure type, co-existing conditions, and other medicines you take.

Pricing and Access

Check current availability and see potential savings compared with typical retail cash-pay options. If you are comparing the Phenobarb 64.8 mg price, review strength, tablet count, and manufacturer to make an apples-to-apples comparison. We apply Canadian pricing. Orders Ships from Canada to US with careful packaging. Our encrypted checkout helps protect your information.

Want to learn about periodic coupons? See our Promotions page for current offers. For broader neurology options, browse Neurology.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by strength and manufacturer. If a specific option is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a suitable alternative or a different strength with an adjusted schedule. A valid prescription is required and verified before dispensing.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may be a reasonable option for people with certain seizure types who tolerate barbiturates and have no major contraindications. It may not suit those with severe respiratory disease, advanced liver impairment, or a history of serious rash with barbiturates.

To manage costs, ask your prescriber about 60- or 90-day supplies if appropriate. Fewer fills can reduce per-fill fees and help keep routines steady. Set refill reminders so you do not run out. If your plan changes, bring remaining tablets to your pharmacist for safe disposal.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Which seizure type is this targeting for me?
• What signs mean I should call you right away?
• How could this affect my birth control or other medicines?
• When will we reassess benefits and side effects?
• What is the plan if I miss several doses?
• Could another antiseizure therapy be a better fit later?

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed provides official US label content for phenobarbital products.

Health Canada Drug Product Database lists Canadian product information.

For a comparison perspective on another antiseizure therapy, see Dilantin Uses.

Ready to order? Add your prescription, select the strength, and complete checkout with prompt US shipping from Canada; temperature-controlled handling when required. This information is educational and not a substitute for the advice of your healthcare professional.