Primidone Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 1, 2024.

Applies to primidone: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of primidone

Along with its needed effects, primidone 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 while taking primidone:

More common side effects

• shakiness and unsteady walk
• unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination

Less common side effects

• unusual excitement or restlessness (especially in children and in the elderly)

Rare side effects

• 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 while taking primidone:

Symptoms of overdose

• confusion
• continuous, uncontrolled rolling eye movements
• double vision
• troubled breathing

Other side effects of primidone

Some side effects of primidone 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 side effects

• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• sensation of spinning

Less common side effects

• decreased sexual ability
• drowsiness
• loss of appetite
• mood or mental changes
• nausea or vomiting

For healthcare professionals

Applies to primidone: oral suspension, oral tablet.

Dermatologic adverse events

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Allergic reactions (e.g., maculopapular, morbilliform, or scarlatiniform)
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, lupus erythematosus^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Megaloblastic anemia, blood dyscrasias, granulocytopenia, agranulocytosis, red-cell hypoplasia and aplasia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Arthralgia, osteomalacia, Dupuytren's contracture^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Visual disturbances
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Diplopia, nystagmus^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Anorexia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hyperirritability, emotional disturbances
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Personality changes, psychosis

Primidone^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Sexual impotency^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Elevations in hepatic enzymes (e.g., gamma-glutamyl transferase [gamma GT], alkaline phosphatase)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Drowsiness, listlessness, ataxia, nystagmus, vertigo
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Headache, dizziness^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vomiting^[Ref]

Further information

Primidone side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer