Unable to get answer from mfg on Primidone for begign tremors.

@sardawg Welcome to Mayo Connect. I just got my new computer running and happened to see your post a little late.
I have been taking primidone for essential tremors for a while now, and experienced exactly what you describe. After a little research, I found out that you may adjust, depending on your particular body. If it doesn't, the dosage can be adjusted. Also, the timing of taking it can make a difference.
Of course, unlike other meds that may cause drowsiness, I want it most effective in the daytime, so I need to take it in the morning. But, I found if I eat first I get less feeling of lethargy - so I'm a little shaky first thing, but it gets better after the meds. And I found that I absolutely cannot take it twice a day or I get not only lethargy, but brain fog. Age alone gives me enough of those!

Good luck find a solution that works for you.
Sue

I USE PROPRANOLOL ER CAP 60mg 1xday MINE MAY BE THE GENERIC FOR PRIMIDONE. NOT SURE. WORKS WELL FOR MY TREMORS.

Hello and welcome to Mayo Connect where we share our health journeys with one another. I have had essential tremors for quite a few years, but they have recently begun to interfere with my daily activities, so I take primidone.

Primidone and propanolol are two most commonly prescribed medications for essential or benign tremors.
Propanolol is a beta blocker and may used to control blood pressure and reduce heart rate as well as to control tremors. Some people cannot use it because it lowers their blood pressure or heart rate too much, or interferes with other medications.
Primidone is an anti-seizure medication which can also be used to reduce tremors. It is usually the second choice for people who are not helped by propanolol or cannot take it.
I am glad to hear that propanolol works for you.

APPRECIATE ALL YOUR INFORMATION. EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS ON OUR JOURNEY. MY MOTHER SAYS, " CHIN UP THE BIRDS WILL SING AGAIN. "

@terrydalecasino I have been on primidone since 1978. Neurologist back then, Dr. Terrence Casino took me off all (6)
anticonvulsants that my neurosurgeon had me on from 1974-1978.
I did and still do notice a few side effects but they are tolerable. But my seizures have decreased
💯 Percent. However, I still take Carbamazipine and Primidone T.I.D. Three times daily. At first I was taking the maximum dosage recommended;
1,500 mg daily but over the years I have decreased it.
Now I take 250mg. morning, 5:00am 1/2 tablet 125mg.
afternoon (3:00pm) and
250mg. evening, 8:00pm.
I have noticed that by taking them that far apart, my seizures are under control and I experience less side effects.
One other thing you may want to know also, is that Primidone also BIOCHEMICALLY changes
into Phenobarbital 30 minutes after being in the blood stream. So you my also experienced dizziness and especially DROWSYNES at times.
But yes most of the side effects go away after awhile. Just be careful when operating a motor vehicle or other power tools, if you do that?
Good Luck 🤞🍀 and I will ask GOD TO WATCH OVER YOU AND PROTECT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS .

@terrydalecasino
As far as tremors are concerned, I experienced them at first but they have gone away with time.
I hope this was helpful for you. By the way, I had an astrocytoma grade I brain 🧠 tumor PNEUMOENCEPHLOGRAM VENTRICULARGRAM ANGIOGRAM and right side posterior temporal parietal occipital lobe CRANIOTOMY when I was (11) years old. Way back in 1970 I am
(65) now .