Can dogs take phenobarbital long term?

During prolonged use, phenobarbital in dogs can damage the liver. Your veterinarian will test liver function with blood tests at regular intervals to guard against this risk.


How long can a dog stay on phenobarbital?

Contact your vet immediately if your dog continues to have seizures after taking phenobarbital for 2 weeks. Seizures after this point may mean the dose is not right or that your dog needs a different medication.

How long can you give phenobarbital?

It works by controlling the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that occurs during a seizure. This medication is also used for a short time (usually no more than 2 weeks) to help calm you or help you sleep during periods of anxiety.


Do dogs build up a tolerance to phenobarbital?

Tolerance to phenobarbital therapy may develop in dogs treated continually for months to years and may result in decreased seizure control; however, an increase (25%) in the dose usually will result in improved seizure control.

What can I give my dog instead of phenobarbital?

It's a difficult choice to make, but if your dog is suffering from epilepsy, CBD may provide an alternative treatment to phenobarbital for dog seizures. CBD is sometimes used in conjunction with it to reduce the incidence of seizures even further.


Side Effects of Phenobarbital in Dogs



What is the safest anti-seizure medication for dogs?

The first line treatment in dogs is Phenobarbitone or Potassium Bromide (may be prescribed as Potassium Bromide syrup, Epilease capsules, Libromide capsules) and for cats; Phenobarbitone, Diazepam (Valium) or Gabapentin.

How long do dogs with epilepsy live with medication?

Approximately 40-60 percent of dogs with epilepsy have one or more episodes of cluster seizures or status epilepsy, and a mean lifespan of only 8 years, compared to 11 years for those with epilepsy without episodes status epilepsy.

Is phenobarbital addictive to dogs?

Phenobarbital treatment should not be stopped suddenly. The drug causes dependence, and abrupt stoppage can cause barbiturate withdrawal seizures. Seizures can cause injuries and brain damage, but anti-seizure medication for dogs can prevent or control seizures.


Does phenobarbital have long term side effects?

Phenobarbital and phenytoin have good antiepileptic effect, but clinically significant untoward effects occur during their long-term use. Phenobarbital may cause hyperactivity, behavioral problems, sedation, and even dementia; these effects are dose related to some extent.

Does phenobarbital lose effectiveness?

This moderate-acting medication should stop working in a few days, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease. Phenobarbital can alter the results of some thyroid and Cushing's testing.

How often should a dog take phenobarbital?

Phenobarbital Dosage for Dogs

Generally, this medication should be given every 12 hours, and it is important not to miss a dose. If this happens, do NOT give your dog two doses at once–skip the missed dose and continue with the regularly scheduled dosage.


Can phenobarbital cause leg weakness in dogs?

Ataxia is when a dog loses coordination in his hind end or experiences weakness there. Phenobarbital can trigger ataxia, and if you notice this, you should let your vet know.

What is the main side effect of phenobarbital?

Common side effects of phenobarbital may include:

drowsiness, lack of energy; dizziness or spinning sensation; depressed mood; feeling restless or excited (especially in children or older adults);

What is the success rate for phenobarbital for dogs?

Phenobarbital monotherapy has been reported to reduce/eradicate seizure activity in 60-93 per cent of idiopathic epileptic dogs (IEDs).


Is phenobarbital hard on a dog's liver?

Long‐term administration of phenobarbital has been reported to cause hepatic injury in dogs. Phenobarbital induces hepatic enzymes, and it may be difficult to distinguish the effect of enzyme induction on serum liver enzyme activities from actual hepatic damage.

What are side effects of too much phenobarbital in dogs?

The average dosage of Phenobarbital for a dog Mandy's size would be 4 tablets twice daily. Mandy had eaten a ninety times overdose! Symptoms of over dosage of Phenobarbital are ataxia (drunk acting), lethargy, sedation, recumbency (inability to stand), depression, hypothermia (decreased temperature), coma, and death.

Why is phenobarbital still used?

Phenobarbital has been used to treat epilepsy since the early decades of the 20th century. It is still commonly used throughout the world because it is both effective and low in cost. Also, most people need to take it only once a day, so they are less likely to miss doses.


How do I wean my dog off phenobarbital?

Remember that if you change the dose of phenobarbital it takes about 10 to 14 days for the blood level to equalize at the new level. If the dog has minimal side effects, I usually decrease the phenobarbital by about 20% and wait a month or two to monitor for seizures. If there are none, then repeat.

Is phenobarbital habit forming?

Is Phenobarbital Addictive? Yes. Phenobarbital can be addictive for people who have prescribed the drug and also for those who use it recreationally.

Can phenobarbital hurt dogs?

Long-term administration of phenobarbital has been reported to cause hepatic injury in dogs. Phenobarbital induces hepatic enzymes, and it may be difficult to distinguish the effect of enzyme induction on serum liver enzyme activities from actual hepatic damage.


Can I give my dog phenobarbital for anxiety?

Much less commonly, though, phenobarbital may also be used to help dogs with anxiety or sleep issues. These instances involve short term prescriptions, however, rather than long term use of the medication. Phenobarbital is usually administered once per day, typically at night.

What happens if you take phenobarbital and don't need it?

Phenobarbital Dependency

Those who take it without a legitimate need, however, can easily become addicted to the effects it produces. As with any substance, the longer it is used, the more the body develops a tolerance to it.

Does canine epilepsy get worse with age?

In canine epileptic patients, the onset of cognitive dysfunction happens earlier in life. It affects mostly memory and there is no significant progression over time.


Do dogs ever outgrow epilepsy?

Caring for an epileptic dog

Canine epilepsy can rarely be cured. But once the medication prescribed by your vet has been adjusted, which can take weeks, it will normally at least reduce the number of seizures and sometimes prevent them altogether, leaving them to enjoy life just as much as the next dog.

What is the best medication for epilepsy in dogs?

Phenobarbital: Phenobarbital is usually the first line drug chosen for primary epilepsy. Common short-term side effects of phenobarbital in dogs are mild sedation and some incoordination.