Side effects of phenobarbital in and cognitive aspects toddlers," behavioral

Cognitive and behavioral effects of phenobarbital in toddlers were assessed in a randomized, placebo-controlled study of patients who had had a febrile seizure. There were no sign(flcant differences in IQ (Binet or Baylev Scales) between placebo and phenobarbital groups after eight to 12 months of therapy. However. detrimental effects of phenobarbital were found in memory, .for which serum level &fluenced scores, and in comprehension, in that length of treatment time affected performance. Hyperactivity was not seen. Behavioral changes, reported by parents, were increased filssiness and a characteristic disturbance of sleep. These changes varied in severi(y and were classified as transient, dose related, or unacceptable. After 12 months in the study, most parents couM not distinguish between phenobarbital and placebo. Our data s~)ggest that although most toddlers do not have major side effects :from phenobarbital therapy when treated for a year. serum levels and length of time on phenobarbital shouM be kept at a minimum to reduce negative cognitive and behavioral e~ects.