Signs, Symptoms and Side Effects of Mysoline (Primidone) Abuse

Mysoline is a brand-name prescription barbiturate drug. The generic name of Mysoline is primidone. This drug is primarily used to treat a variety of seizure disorders and symptoms of epilepsy. Mysoline isn’t the first choice for seizure treatment, in most cases, because it does have a potential for addiction, dependence and adverse side effects. In some cases, Mysoline has to be used, however. As a barbiturate, Mysoline depresses the central nervous system. In doing so, this drug can inhibit abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures. Barbiturates aren’t prescribed very often anymore because they are largely considered to be a dangerous drug class. Signs of Mysoline abuse can include:

• Taking Mysoline in any way other than as prescribed and instructed by a medical professional
• Using higher doses of Mysoline than prescribed
• Using Mysoline more frequently than prescribed
• Using Mysoline without a prescription
• Using Mysoline to come down from other drugs
• Using Mysoline with other drugs or substances in order to heighten their effects

Any time someone is using a prescription drug outside of the prescribing parameters, it is considered abuse. Prescription drug abuse isn’t the same as addiction or dependence. However, these concepts are often seen on a continuum with one another. This means that someone who abuses Mysoline is more likely to become addicted and physically dependent.

When someone is abusing Mysoline, they may exhibit certain physical side effects. The symptoms of Mysoline abuse are similar to the signs someone is abusing other barbiturates. Symptoms of Mysoline abuse can also be similar to intoxication from alcohol because both substances depress the central nervous system. Symptoms of Mysoline abuse can be physical and emotional, and some of these symptoms can include:

• Drowsiness or sedation
• Slow breathing
• Changes in mood
• Agitation and irritability
• Impaired judgment and thinking
• Depression
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Slurred speech
• Problems with coordination and motor control
• Visual problems
• Confusion
• Sluggishness
• Hypotension
• Bradycardia

When someone is abusing a prescription drug like Mysoline, the side effects can be far-reaching. The effects of drug abuse can impact a person psychologically, socially and physically. First and foremost, three of the biggest side effects of Mysoline abuse are dependence, addiction, and overdose. Barbiturates are an addictive drug class that can also quickly lead to toxicity and overdose. That risk of overdose is one of the primary reasons they’re not frequently prescribed anymore. Outside of dependence, addiction, and overdose, other side effects of Mysoline abuse can include:

• Declining levels of functionality
• Inability to meet commitments to family, or at school or work
• Changes in mood and psychological problems
• Problems in relationships
• Confusion
• Legal and financial problems
• Participating in dangerous or risky activities
• Respiratory problems
• Damage to the central nervous system
• Liver damage
• Heart damage

Even if someone shows the signs and side effects of Mysoline abuse, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re addicted. It does increase the likelihood of an addiction developing, however. Mysoline addiction refers to a scenario where someone compulsively seeks out and continues using drugs, even when the consequences are negative and harmful. Addiction is a brain disease because it causes changes in the structure and function of the brain. Over time and as someone develops an addiction, they aren’t able to control their use of drugs. Signs of Mysoline addiction can include:

• Out of control drug use
• Continuing to use Mysoline even when there are negative effects
• Wanting to stop using Mysoline but being unable to
• Unsuccessfully trying to stop using Mysoline
• Obtaining and using Mysoline are top priorities above everything else
• Loss of interest in other things in life
• Stealing to get more drugs

Mysoline, like other barbiturates, can have serious and sometimes deadly long-term effects. When someone uses barbiturates in the long term, they can develop a tolerance that requires higher doses to get the same effects. Tolerance is a risk factor for overdose. Other possible Mysoline long-term effects can include respiratory damage or respiratory arrest. Mysoline and other barbiturates can cause damage to the liver and to the heart and central nervous system as well. Finally, dependence can occur as well. When someone is dependent upon Mysoline, they will experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly try to stop using the drug. We’re here now, so reach out The Recovery Village and learn more about how we can treat your addiction with the right care.