Common Questions about phenobarbital

How long does it take for phenobarbital to kick in?

Phenobarbital is rapidly absorbed and starts working within 30-60 minutes. The effects can last for 10-12 hours. You should follow your doctor’s directions and take phenobarbital 1-3 times a day as advised to maintain constant blood levels and prevent seizures.

Can you drink alcohol while on phenobarbital?

You should not drink alcohol while on treatment with phenobarbital. Mixing alcohol and phenobarbital can cause breathing problems, drowsiness, and dizziness.

How much phenobarbital does it take to overdose?

The usual dose of phenobarbital to treat seizures is 50 to 100 mg 2-3 times a day. You should not take more than 400 mg of this medicine in a day. A dose of 6-10 grams can be lethal.

Can my pet take phenobarbital?

Phenobarbital is used for seizure control in dogs and cats. You should only give this medicine to your pet as prescribed by a vet.

Can pregnant women take phenobarbital?

Phenobarbital may cause birth defects in a baby. Also, infants born to mothers who took phenobarbital during the pregnancy can experience withdrawal symptoms. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before starting phenobarbital or if you become pregnant while on this drug.

What dosages are available for phenobarbital?

Phenobarbital is available in tablets (15 mg, 16.2 mg, 30 mg, 32.4 mg, 60 mg, 64.8 mg, 97.2 mg, and 100 mg) as well as 20 mg/5 mL elixir (liquid form). 

The usual phenobarbital dose for seizure control is 50 mg to 100 mg by mouth 2-3 times a day. The maximum daily dose of phenobarbital should not exceed 400 mg. Your doctor will adjust your phenobarbital dose based on the blood levels of the medication and its effectiveness in seizure control. An intravenous loading dose of 15-20 mg/kg may be used to treat status epilepticus. Make sure to follow your prescription regimen according to your doctor’s instructions.

What is the price of phenobarbital without insurance?
Without insurance, phenobarbital can be as high as $62.00, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as little as $18.85 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing.

What is the price of phenobarbital with insurance?

Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on phenobarbital—copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins.

You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for phenobarbital. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medication, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.