Notes from Dr Johnson

Dr Johnson Vet Marietta Ga Questions

Phenobarbital Hunger in Dogs

Excessive urination, excessive thirst and excessive hunger are the 3 most common long-term side effects of phenobarbital on dogs. *Side Effects Of Phenobarbitol Include:*
– *Sedation* – The goal of seizure therapy is to end the seizures, not sedate the patient. Most patients will not show noticeable sedation while on phenobarbital and if they do, there is a good chance the dose is too high. Some patients cannot find an effective dose of phenobarbital that is not sedating and these patients may need a different medication, or simply a reduction of the phenobarbital dose and addition of a second medication. – *Sedation During Initial Therapy* – It is not unusual for some patients to appear depressed or sedated when phenobarbital therapy is begun. This effect is generally temporary and resolves as the patient gets used to the medication. If this problem has not resolved after two weeks, a blood test can determine if the dose is simply too high and needs to be changed. – *Excessive Appetite* – Phenobarbital makes patients very hungry. This can be problematic if the patient becomes obese or overly focused on food. – *Excessive Thirst* – It makes patients thirsty. This could become a problem if the patient drinks so much water that house-soiling becomes a problem.
Other side effects can also include lethargy, hyperexcitability, ataxia <www.k9-medibles.com/is-thc-bad-for-dogs/> (loss of coordination or hind end weakness) and night-time restlessness. Most of these side effects diminish or disappear after the first few weeks of therapy.
From: www.k9-medibles.com/phenobarbitol-for-dogs-side-effects/