When discontinuing phenobarbital therapy, tapering is recommended to avoid the signs and the symptoms of phenobarbital withdrawal. However, detailed descriptions of the design and implementation of such a taper are not easily found in the medical literature.

How long should phenobarbital be taken?

It works by controlling the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that occurs during a seizure. This medication is also used for a short time (usually no more than 2 weeks) to help calm you or help you sleep during periods of anxiety. It works by affecting certain parts of the brain to cause calming.

How do you titrate phenobarbital?

Loading Dose: 10 - 15 mg/kg IV (reduce to 5-10 mg/kg IV for patients with hypotension). Administer slowly over 1 hour. Infusion: Start at 0.5 - 1 mg/kg/hour and titrate slowly to a maximum dose of 0.5 - 10 mg/kg/hour as required to maintain a desired interburst interval (period of suppression on a continuous EEG.