:hello: Jerry!
Welcome to CWE! Glad to have you here! I was on
and off of Phenobarbital (as well as Mysoline / Primidone),
and it was used in conjunction with other anti-convulsants
(as it was called years ago as we know it now as anti-
epileptic drugs). I had been on Dilantin / Phenytoin the
longest of them all. Unfortunately I had developed a
problem with it where I'm allergic to Phenobarbital, it
was the first anti-epileptic drug on the allergy list.
Out of fairness, I must imply that this med worked, but
I was never on any titration into it, I was slammed on it
and slammed off of it for reasons unknown. I never knew
one had to be titrated on such meds (I do know now since
I've studied up in Neuropharmacology and Neuroscience,
but I am not a Medical Doctor). I was told after have not
been on this medication (before it was put on the allergy
list) that after being on the titration to a point of being
on a high dosage with no results where it landed me in
the ER at the Hospital, I had developed also a resistance
to the medication due to being "on and off" so many times.
I didn't know nor realize that were even possible for these
types of medications, I only knew that it was possible for
antibiotics and certain vaccinations and certain specific
drugs, but I did not think this would be one of them.
I do know that specific drugs can loose its effectiveness after
a prolonged period of time where the titration does have a
need to be increased, but most Physicians revert to looking
for another medication(s) rather than keep increasing the
titration of the same medication(s) due to the increased risk
of side effects, body tolerance/resistance, danger(s) to the
patient's vital (organs) / nervous systems, and so on.
I must stress and put emphasis on this: EVERY INDIVIDUAL
IS DIFFERENT! Some individuals can be on the same drug(s)
for decades and have no problems at all, while to others,
unfortunately, is just the opposite, where one can only be
on it for so long as implied at the above paragraph.
If there seems to be any problem(s) associated with the
medication or medications, then you must consult with
your own treating Doctor(s), for they are the ones handling
and caring you and have your profile (chart) in their possession,
we do not.
Moreover, if you are unhappy with the response, you can always
turn to your Primary Care Physician, and ask him/her to re-
evaluate everything, as they are the "General Overseers" of
your overall well being; and if he/she feels that the Neurologist
or Epileptologist may not be properly treating you, may send
you off for a 2nd opinion ... or ... you can even ask for a 2nd
opinion to a different Neurologist / Epileptologist and what
their recommendations are, or who knows, that 2nd opinion
Doctor may end up being your Neurologist / Epileptologist
who will be properly treating you and more effectively.
In addition, keep in mind - things change as we grow older,
so likewise do the medications sometimes. So what I have
posted is just a small amount to ponder - but sufficient
enough to first start at the home plate - your Neurologist
and go from there and see what comes out of it.
Good Luck!
:tup:
And feel free to browse around in CWE and make yourself
a home here! This is the BEST ADVISORIES I can offer
for you in regards your concerns about your girlfriend!
I've been on Phenobarb for 25 years. The last couple of years, my seizure control hasn't been that great. Just recently I found out that I'm pregnant and my OB /Gyn asked that I be put on Dilantin. The neuro agreed. I've been on it now for about 5 days and so far no side effects noticed. The neuro is going to wait till my Dilantin levels are good and then wean me off the phenobarb which might be a bit tricky. Hopefully not. 
