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Phenobarbital : Interaction with Foods, Herbs, Alcohol and Caffeine


Are you taking Phenobarbital? Are you aware of the dangers of combining Phenobarbital with certain foods, herbs or alcohol? Drug-food-interactions are seldom discussed but can lead to undesirable side effects and potentially diminish the efficacy of the medication.

Phenobarbital Interactions with Food and Herbs

Vitamin C: When using Phenobarbital, avoid taking vitamin C as it reduces effectiveness of the drug (1 Trusted Source
Linda B. Bobroff, Ashley Lentz, and R. Elaine Turner (2009) FOOD/DRUG AND DRUG/NUTRIENT INTERACTIONS: What You Should Know About Your Medications

Go to source
).

Cannabis: Avoid using cannabis while taking Phenobarbital because it may cause additive Central Nervous System depression and other adverse reactions (2 Trusted Source
Phenobarbital Food, Alcohol, Supplements and Drug Interactions

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).

Phenobarbital Interactions with Alcohol

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Phenobarbital as it can cause side-effects like drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and increased risk of falling (1 Trusted Source
Linda B. Bobroff, Ashley Lentz, and R. Elaine Turner (2009) FOOD/DRUG AND DRUG/NUTRIENT INTERACTIONS: What You Should Know About Your Medications

Go to source
).

Phenobarbital Interactions with Caffeine

Avoid taking Phenobarbital along with caffeine-containing products such as coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate, as it can result in headaches or agitation (2 Trusted Source
Phenobarbital Food, Alcohol, Supplements and Drug Interactions

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).

When and How to Take Phenobarbital

  • Phenobarbital is available in the form of a tablet and an elixir (liquid) to be taken orally.
  • It is usually taken one to three times a day.
  • Follow the directions exactly as given on the prescription label.
  • Do not exceed or skip a dose. If a dose is missed, take the medication as soon as it is remembered.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule.
  • Do not double the dose at a time to compensate for a missed dose.
  • Withdrawal symptoms: If taking this medication is suddenly stopped, withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, muscle twitching, uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body, weakness, dizziness, changes in vision, nausea, vomiting, seizures, confusion, and difficulty falling asleep may occur (3 Trusted Source
    National Library of Medicine: Phenobarbital MedlinePlus Drug Information.

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    ).

References

1. Linda B. Bobroff, Ashley Lentz, and R. Elaine Turner (2009) FOOD/DRUG AND DRUG/NUTRIENT INTERACTIONS: What You Should Know About Your Medications http://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/IR/00/00/33/66/00001/HE77600.pdf
2. Phenobarbital Food, Alcohol, Supplements and Drug Interactions https://www.wellrx.com/phenobarbital/lifestyle-interactions/
3. National Library of Medicine: Phenobarbital MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682007.html

Drug Name : Phenobarbital

Phenobarbital is a barbiturate, prescribed for seizures and as a sedative to relieve anxiety.
We recommend consulting your doctor to verify the information presented on this page or if you need any further clarifications.


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Phenobarbital for Medical Condition(s)