Phenobarb for children??? Anyone know why?

[Disney_1derland]

Since the all-knowing Dis can answer any question, I thought I would post this one to ponder. Dh's family is fairly secretive but will let out little clues and then never mention it again. His parents are raising a grandchild and in their last conversation mentioned she had been prescribed Phenobarb. But then NEVER mentioned why and avoided questions. So, we are trying to figure out why Phenobarb would be prescribed for a 6 year old. Obviously it's used for seizures, but I don't think that's why it's been prescribed.

So, anyone out there have other ideas for why she would have been put on this drug?

 

[golfgal]

I was going to say seizures. Our twins had seizures after they were born and were on this for about 3 months.

 

[sandramaac]

I think you answered your own question, probably for seizures. It can also be used as a sleep aid. In higher doses, it sometimes has the opposite effect and works more like a stimulant. Phenobarb is very habit forming. It is still not a medication to be used lightly, and there must be some medical condition that warrants a physician using this for a child. Hope that helps.

 

[Disney_1derland]

I think you answered your own question, probably for seizures. It can also be used as a sleep aid. I higher doses, it sometimes has the opposite effect and works mor elike a stimulant. Phenobarb is very habit forming. It is still not a medication to be used lightly, and there must be some medical condition that warrants a physician using this for a child. Hope that helps.

I just don't think it could possibly be for seizures, surely they would have said seizures because that is one 'family secret' that everyone knows. He has an older brother who has a seizure disorder, surely if this child had developed something similar they would have said that. The sleep thing sort of makes sense, the child has been suffering insomnia. Seems a bit over the top for just making a kid sleep though.

 

[nliedel]

I guess the important question here would be if you are asking this question why? Are you worried or just curious? I am not being mean I just want to know if there is a deeper reason you are asking?

 

[Sleepy]

THis has always been the only medication I refuse to take. It was prescribed to me at the age of I think 3. My mother said it was because I was a nervous child. (I still have problems with anxiety, etc). Anyway, shortly after starting use, it was discontinued because it caused night terrors. Today, when I tell new docs or nurses this, they look at me strangely and ask me why a 4 year old would be given something like that......and for that purpose. I just look at them puzzled and tell them "WHy did they do alot of stuff back in the early 70's?

 

[DVC Sadie]

The only time I have ever seen phenobarbitol ordered for a child or infant was to prevent seizures. I have never seen it used as a sleep aid or for nervousness. Actually, phenobarbitol can have a side effect of causing nervousness or being hyper.

 

[luvmydogs]

Worked with many children (and adults) who were on Phenobarb for seizure disorders.

I was once prescribed a Phenobarb/Belladonna/Alkaloid "cocktail" as a partial treatment for an ulcer.

 

[skooniebird]

I know that it can calm the nerves also. Have heard of criminals using it before a big job. Don't think she's out robbing banks though. Hmmm... Really, in a child that young, I can't come up with any indication for using it besides a seizure disorder. It just has to amny side effects for anything that's not really serious. Now I'm going to have to research this or it will drive me crazy. Now, I know of another seizure med that is used for bipolar disorder also, but 6 is really too young for a definitive diagnosis of bipolar. hmmm

 

[Disney_1derland]

I guess the important question here would be if you are asking this question why? Are you worried or just curious? I am not being mean I just want to know if there is a deeper reason you are asking?

Family medical history is important to us and secrets in this family regarding medical stuff has caused a lot of problems. There are other underlying reasons but they're probably not good discussion for this forum

 

[Disney_1derland]

Now I'm going to have to research this or it will drive me crazy.

Me too We have always felt that there is something wrong with this child, but his parents are not the type to actually deal with a problem unless someone forces them to. I am concerned that if they do not do something for her, she will be beyond help. This has happened too many times in their family for my comfort. I guess I just don't get the whole 'stick your head in the sand' mentality where it comes to someone's well-being.