Just Called Vet

We just called the vet, to discuss Henry's phenobarbital dose. A couple years ago Henry was on phenobarbital, and his tests showed on May 16th, 2007, that at 1 1/2 (90mg) grains 2 times a day, he achieved only 12.9 level. It needs to be at LEAST 15, some vets say 20. Anyways, Henry has been on 2 grains 2 times a day, which isn't that much more considering how low the level was. And with the Flycatcher episodes being triggered so easily, just tells me there isn't getting to be enough control.

So we ran all our thoughts by the vet over the phone, and she ok'ed an increase of going from 2 grains (120mg) 2 times per day, to 2 1/2 grains (150mg) 2 times per day. She's aware of the side effects Henry is having. It's totally normal for side effects to be extreme in the first 6 weeks. Then the body will start using the Phenobarbital in a more effective way, and this means alot less side effects.

I cringe at the thought of medicating and increasing, but, if your'e gonna do it, then do it right I say. No point in keeping him at a level so low it isn't therapeutic. It's just too risky to not rely on meds enough. Henry needs meds, and he needs it at a high enough level.

We check Phenobarbital level in blood one month from today.