Mysoline

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > M



How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient primidone, which is an antiepileptic medicine. Its activity results partly from the action of primidone itself, and partly from its breakdown products, phenobarbital (phenobarbitone) and phenylethylmalonamide (PEMA). It is not fully understood how much of a role each of the three plays in the overall antiepileptic effect of this medicine. The central nervous system is made up of many nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical signals. These electrical signals bring about body movement by stimulating the nerves to the muscles. Normally there is relatively low level of electrical activity in the brain. In an epileptic fit excessive electrical activity builds up causing uncontrolled stimulation of the brain. Primidone has an inhibitory effect on brain cells and damps down electrical activity, preventing the excessive build up which causes the epileptic fit. The precise mode of action is not fully understood but, in common with other anticonvulants, it appears to alter the electrical activity of the nerve cell membrane.

What is it used for?

- Attacks of inability to move (akinetic attacks)
- Generalised tonic-clonic seizures
- Myoclonic seizures
- Partial seizures
- Psychomotor (temporal lobe) epilepsy
- Tremor without underlying cause (essential tremor)

Warning!

- This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided.
- You should not suddenly stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
- Tolerance and dependence may occur to this medicine. Tolerance means that less effect is achieved from the same dose. Dependence means that individuals find it very difficult to stop using the medicine.

Use with caution in

- Breathing problems
- Children
- Decreased kidney function
- Decreased liver function
- Elderly people
- Weak or debilitated people

Not to be used in

- Life long inherited blood disease characterised by sudden attacks of high blood pressure, mental disturbances and abdominal pain (acute intermittent porphyria)