Phenobarbital is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called barbiturates. It is a central nervous system depressant and it’s used as an anticonvulsant to treat seizures and as a sedative to treat anxiety and insomnia. It’s also used for certain types of seizure disorders, like convulsions in an infant with high fever and in the treatment of some types of alcohol withdrawal symptoms,

Common side effects of phenobarbital include:

• Drowsiness

• Dizziness

• Confusion

• Headache

• Nausea

• Stomach upset

• Depression

Less common but serious side effects include:

• Allergic reactions such as hives, rash, or difficulty breathing

• Seizures

• Coma

• Double vision

• Slurred speech

• Unusual tiredness or weakness

• Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

• Loss of coordination

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider if you experience any of these serious side effects while taking phenobarbital. They will advise you on what to do next. Also, because it can cause drowsiness, it’s advised to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking this medication and until you know how it will affect you. Long-term use of phenobarbital can cause physical and psychological dependence. People may also experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the drug suddenly.