Mysoline (generic name primidone), an anticonvulsant drug, is used to treat and prevent seizures. It also treats essential tremors, a nervous disorder that causes rhythmic shaking. It reduces abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
According to WebMD, it is best to keep constant levels of the drug in your system, “take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as anxiety, hallucinations, twitching, trouble sleeping). Withdrawal from primidone can be severe and include seizures and (rarely) death.”
Mysoline falls under the barbiturate class of drugs. While it is valuable as a treatment for epilepsy and essential tremor, this drug can be very dangerous because it is quite addictive. As with other barbiturates, the difference between a prescribed dose and an overdose is slim; however, they’re not usually prescribed anymore because they are so risky.
If dependence or addiction occurs, Mysoline withdrawal can be difficult. The withdrawal symptoms are severe and can be deadly. Because of this, it’s essential to participate in a professional addiction treatment program during the detox and recovery process.
What are the Mysoline Withdrawal Symptoms?
Withdrawal symptoms from Mysoline can occur if you stop taking it abruptly or are given doctor instructions to lower the dose you are taking. Symptom severity and length of time vary according to the person and are based on factors such as gender, age, overall physical health, and physicality.
Symptoms someone might feel are:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Mood swings, depression
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Fever
- Depression
- Increased chance of seizures
- Seizures
- High temperature
- Heart failure
- Hallucinations
- Death
Mysoline withdrawal can possibly be very dangerous and potentially fatal. Nearly 75 percent of people withdrawing from barbiturates experience seizures, and up to 66 percent may experience delirium that lasts for several days.
Stages of the Mysoline Withdrawal Timeline
Generally, withdrawal symptoms usually run the gamut in a few weeks’ time. The first felt symptoms might be within three days of a lower dose or not taking the drug. There is no particular order in how symptoms are felt. Please note, though, that the more uncomfortable ones accompany the minor ones.
Below is a timeline for Mysoline withdrawal:
Days 1-3: The individual’s brain chemistry is going through withdrawal at this stage. Minor symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and irritability, are usually experienced. The brain is adapting its electrical chemistry working without the Mysoline. Sudden or frequent mood changes may also be noticed.
Other symptoms that may be felt are:
- Hand tremors
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Distorted vision
Major Mysoline withdrawal symptoms occur about 16 hours after the last dose. These symptoms last for about five days and include:
- Convulsions
- Delirium
It is vital to note that seizures are possible during the first few days of withdrawal. This is a dangerous time because the brain is trying to “return to normal,” and rebound seizures might occur. People who have been on high doses of Mysoline should be medically monitored during this timeframe.
Days 4-6: Symptoms decrease in severity at this point. Some symptoms may still be felt, such as mood swings and insomnia. It is common for withdrawal symptoms to be felt as the brain adapts to new neurochemical conditions.
Week 1 and afterward: Symptoms continue to dissipate over time but can last for a few weeks.
Sometimes certain barbiturate withdrawal symptoms—particularly mental and emotional symptoms—may last for several months or years.
Why Should I Detox?
Quitting drugs abruptly or cold turkey can be difficult, painful, and dangerous. If someone stops taking Mysoline, and drugs like it, suddenly, withdrawal can be fatal.
The intensity of physical and psychological symptoms when going through withdrawal on your own can be difficult whether or not you quit cold turkey or with help. This is why it’s vital to find a medically assisted detox program to support you during Mysoline withdrawal.
A professional addiction treatment program will ensure that a medical team monitors you. You will be in a safe environment while your body passes through the detox process. You also stand a better chance of long-term recovery by participating in an addiction treatment program due to the structured medical and emotional support provided.
What is the Next Treatment Step?
The American Society of Addiction Medicine recommends that people with addiction go through the full continuum of treatment to ensure a successful recovery. Withdrawal from Mysoline and barbiturates like it can be dangerous and possibly deadly. The full continuum treatment plan begins with the medical detox process. Then the individual progresses through in stages from inpatient to the outpatient level of treatment:
Medical Detox
Medical detox is the first stage of withdrawal treatment. Medical stabilization is the goal during this stage. This period lasts from a few days up to a week. Upon arrival, you will undergo a complete medical assessment that determines your level of addiction and other medical needs you may have. The assessment includes a medical exam and urine or blood tests to screen for drugs.
The medical team includes doctors, nurses, and support staff that monitor you around-the-clock to assist in managing uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. They are also there to prevent dangerous sedative withdrawal symptoms.
It is common to experience anxiety, depression, and other emotional and psychological challenges while in detox. Your treatment plan also includes emotional support. Once you are medically stabilized, your doctor will develop a long-term treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.
Residential
If you require further medical treatment, you might continue to the next stage of residential treatment. If you are diagnosed with co-occurring medical conditions, or if you are experiencing post-acute withdrawal symptoms, you might be recommended for further inpatient treatment. This level of treatment is intensive and entails 24/7 medical monitoring. A therapist will be assigned to you to begin seeing on a regular basis.
Partial Hospitalization Program
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is the next stage of treatment.
It comes after detox or after inpatient care. PHP is a cross between inpatient care and outpatient treatment.
During this period, you’ll live at a transitional living facility as you undergo a supportive and structured treatment program running five days a week for six hours per day.
You can participate in individual, group, and family therapy programs to address your mental health needs.
The focus is on learning positive life and coping skills and techniques to help prevent a relapse. It prepares you for long-term recovery.
Intensive Outpatient
The next stage is the intensive outpatient program or IOP. This level allows you to live at home while you participate in counseling and programs designed to help support you in the recovery process. You will engage in about nine or more hours of clinical therapy each week. The sessions are scheduled several times throughout the week. You will continue to learn strategies and tools to cope with cravings, stress as well as relapse prevention skills that help ease you back into everyday living.
Alumni
Once the formal treatment program is completed, you will be able to meet and to get to know other treatment center alumni. Aftercare programming includes weekly support groups and social events. These opportunities give you the opportunity to meet other program graduates and grow new friendships.
A social support system with other graduates can help you grow and stay focused on recovery as you continue adjusting to living without drugs. It is also a great way to exchange relapse prevention strategies, share new experiences, introduce others to techniques to manage stress and frustration. Most important, it is a way to enjoy spending time with new friends who have the same successes and goals.
