Phenobarbital experiences?

[Alex]

My vet just recommended we start using this drug. My dog is about 2 yrs. old and has at least one seizure a month which lasts about 5 minutes.

I've been reading stuff online about phenobarbital and there's a couple of things that has be worried.

Apparently it could cause liver disease which is not a good thing. Also my dog has been very hyperactive which I read is a symptom. So will the symptoms go away eventually?

I'm wondering if you could share your experience good/bad or what you know/opinion.

[jujukitty]

I've seen many dogs on phenobarbital, and most do very well on it. Your vet will do periodic bloodwork to make sure your dogs organs are still functioning well (thus catching any liver problem when it's early). Are you saying your dog's hyperactivity is a symptom of the seizure disorder? Phenobarb is designed to reduce the frequency of seizures, and a lot of times will make dogs a bit sleepy until they adjust to the medicine. Whether or not it will make your dog less "hyper" I couldn't say.

[Andrew Q]

I had a cat who had terrible seizures and the phenobarbital gave us more quality time together until his poor body just gave out on him.

You need to weigh the possibility of liver disease down the road over your dog's comfort now.