What is Celontin?
Celontin, or anticonvulsant, is a medication that treats epilepsy. Celontin can be used by itself or in combination with another medication to treat absence seizures in children and adults. Celontin can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Celontin
If you experience symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat - seek medical assistance immediately! You should tell your doctor if any symptoms worsen or change, including changes in mood or behaviour, anxiety, panic attacks, or trouble sleeping. Also, you might experience feelings such as being impulsive or hyperactive; hostile; aggressive, restless; restlessness or hyperactivity and depression - or thinking about harming or taking your own life.
Celontin can cause serious and even fatal infections. If you detect signs of infection, including:
- Fever;
- Sore or swollen throat
- Easy bruising and unusual bleeding (nose or mouth);
- Feeling very tired or weak.
Call your doctor immediately if you:
- Extreme fear, confusion, hallucinations, or unusual thoughts and behaviours
- Worsening seizures;
- Lupus syndrome: joint swelling with fever or muscle aches; vomiting; and unusual thoughts or behaviours.
- Severe skin reaction: fever, sore throat, and swelling of the face and tongue. Burning in the eyes. Painful skin is followed by a rash, which is red or purple and spreads to other parts of your body, especially your face and upper part.
Side effects of celontin include:
- Nausea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea, constipation;
- Weight loss;
- Headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
- Blurred vision
- Loss of Balance or Coordination
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor if experiencing side effects; for reporting side effects contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Sympazan, Briviact, Topiramate, Diazepam, Levetiracetam, Keppra, and Depakote
Warnings
Celontin can cause serious and even fatal infections. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any signs of infection, such as a fever or a sore throat. Celontin should not be stopped abruptly. If you stop suddenly, your seizures may increase.
Before you take this drug
Celontin should not be used if you have an allergy to it or other seizure medication.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that celontin will be safe for you:
- Lupus;
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- A history of depressive disorders or mood problems
Anticonvulsant medications may increase suicidal thoughts in certain people. At regular doctor's visits, your doctor should monitor your progress. You or your family members should be alert if you experience any changes in mood or symptoms. If you're pregnant, follow your doctor’s advice about taking seizure medications. Do not start or stop this medication without consulting your doctor. Also, tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant. Celontin can harm an unborn child, but a seizure could be harmful to both mother and infant. Preventing seizures could outweigh the risks for your baby.
You may find your name on a registry if you're pregnant. The registry is used to monitor the pregnancy's outcome and evaluate the effects of methsuximide. There is no way to know if methsuximide can pass into breast milk or if it will harm a baby who is nursing. Inform your doctor if you're breastfeeding a child.
How to take Celontin?
Please follow all the directions listed on your prescription label.Your doctor may change your dosage from time to time in order to get you the best results. Use this medication only as directed. Never exceed the recommended dosage or take it for too long, otherwise adverse side effects could result. Celontin can weaken the immune system. You may need frequent blood tests. Do not stop taking Celontin abruptly, even if you are feeling fine. Sudden stopping can cause seizures to increase Please follow your doctor's advice regarding decreasing your dosage.
If you notice that your seizures are worsening or occurring more frequently while on Celontin, call your doctor. Wear a medical ID tag or carry a card that states you are taking Celontin. You should let any medical professional who treats you know that you are on seizure medication. Celontin is best used regularly. Refill your prescription before you run out. Storage should take place away from moisture or heat at room temperature. Liquid medicines should not be allowed to freeze.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you recall taking an overdue dosage, take it immediately. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching soon after taking an unexpected one, do not double up on any missed medication dose. Never add more medicine in an attempt to make up for an underdose.
What happens if I overdose?
Reach out immediately if a poisonous substance comes your way - call 1-800-222-1222, for immediate medical intervention or dial the Poison Control hotline on 1-800222-1222! Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and extreme drowsiness.
What should be avoided?
Celontin and alcohol can have side effects. This medication can impair your reactions or thinking. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness. Avoid being around people who are sick. If you notice any signs of infection, tell your doctor immediately.
Interaction with other drug
This effect can be worsened by taking this medication with other drugs that make you feel dizzy or sleepy. Consult your doctor before combining Celontin with sleeping pills, narcotic pain medicines, muscle relaxers, anxiety, depression, or seizure medications. Inform your doctor of all seizure medications you are currently taking, as well as any new ones that you may start or stop using. Methsuximide may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.Inform healthcare providers of any medications you are currently taking or planning on taking.
