What is Ethosuximide?
Ethosuximide, or anticonvulsant medication, is an antiepileptic drug.Ethosuximide can be used by itself or with other drugs to treat absence seizures in children and adults.Ethosuximide can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Ethosuximide
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongueNotify your doctor immediately if any symptoms worsen or change, including mood, behavior, anxiety or panic attacks; or if you experience impulses/hyperactivity/depression/suicidal thoughts.
Ethosuximide may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Sore teeth; feeling weak and miserable
- Extreme fear, confusion, bizarre thoughts, or behaviors;
- Worsening seizures;
- Syndrome lupus-like: swelling or joint pain with fever or swollen lymph glands; nausea; and unusual behavior or thoughts.
- Signs of inflammation include: swollen or inflamed glands; flu-like symptoms; easy bruising, bleeding, or numbing sensations or feelings; lower stomach pains or cramps; jaundice or yellowing of the eyes or skin; chest pains or discomforts; a new or worsening cough or difficulty breathing.
- Severe skin reaction: fever or sore throat; swelling of the tongue or face; eye pain, followed by a skin rash that spreads to other parts (especially the upper or face) and results in blistering or peeling.
Side effects that may occur from ethosuximide include:
- Stomach pain; upset stomach.
- Diarrhea, weight loss;
- Hiccups;
- You may experience swelling of your gums or tongue.
- Headache, dizziness, trouble concentrating,
- Feeling tired?
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Report any side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Sympazan, diazepam, topiramate, levetiracetam, depakote, Keppra, and Topamax
Warnings
Stopping abruptly can cause seizures. If you stop suddenly, seizures may increase.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to ethosuximide or any other medication that treats seizures, then you should avoid using ethosuximide.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that ethosuximide will not harm you:
- Lupus;
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- A history of depressive disorders or mood issues, as well as suicidal ideas or acts
Anticonvulsants can cause some people to have suicidal thoughts. At regular doctor's visits, your doctor should monitor your progress. You or your family members should be aware of any changes you may experience in mood or symptoms.If you're pregnant, follow your doctor’s advice about seizure medications. Never stop or start taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Also, tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant. Preventing seizures could outweigh the risks for your baby.Your name could be on a registry if you're pregnant. The registry is used to monitor the progress of a pregnancy and evaluate the effects of ethosuximide.Ethosuximide may pass through breast milk, causing harm to a baby who is nursing. You should tell your doctor that you are breastfeeding a child.Ethosuximide shouldn't be administered to children younger than three years of age.
How to take Ethosuximide?
Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor will occasionally adjust your dosage to ensure you achieve the best possible results. Use this medication only as directed.Do not exceed the recommended dose and do not use it for longer than required.You may require frequent blood tests while using ethosuximide. You may need your kidney function tested.Even if you are feeling fine, do not suddenly stop taking ethosuximide. Sudden stopping can cause seizures to increase. You should follow your doctor's advice about reducing your dosage.If you notice that your seizures are worsening or occurring more frequently while on ethosuximide, call your doctor.You can wear a medical ID tag that states you are taking ethosuximide or carry a card with this information. You should let any medical provider that treats you know you are on seizure medicine.Regular use of ethosuximide will provide the best results. Refill your prescription before it runs out.Keep away from heat and moisture. Liquid medicines should not be allowed to freeze.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Seizures:
First dose: Take 500 mg orally, once per day.
Increase the dose by small amounts, such as 250 mg daily, every 4–7 days until seizure control is optimal with minimum side effects.
Maintaining dose: individualized, generally a dose that provides efficacy with tolerability and a level of plasma within the accepted therapeutic range (40–100 mcg/mL).
Comments:
Doses above 1.5g should only be given under the strict supervision of your physician.
Consider twice-daily dosing for higher doses.
This drug can be used in conjunction with other anticonvulsants if other types of epilepsy are present.
Usage: To control absence seizures (petit mal).
Usual Pediatric Dose for Seizures:
From 3 to 6 years old:
First dose: oral 250 mg once daily
Six years and older
First dose: Take 500 mg orally, once per day.
To achieve optimal seizure control, increase the dose by small amounts, such as 250mg daily, every 4–7 days.
Maintenance dose: individualized, generally a dose that provides efficacy with tolerability and a level of plasma within the acceptable therapeutic range (40–100 mcg/mL).
The optimal dose for pediatric patients is 20 mg/kg/day. However, some authorities have found that doses as high as 40 mg/kg/24 hours are required to achieve therapeutic levels.
Comments:
Doses above 1.5g should only be given under the strict supervision of your physician.
Consider twice-daily dosing for higher doses.
This drug can be used in conjunction with other anticonvulsants if there are other epilepsy forms present.
Usage: To control absence seizures (petit mal).
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as possible, take the missed dose. If your next scheduled dose is fast approaching, do not take the missed one. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.The symptoms of an overdose may include vomiting, nausea, extreme sleepiness, and shallow or weak breathing.
What should be avoided?
Alcohol consumption with ethosuximide may cause adverse effects.The medication can affect your ability to think or react. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness.You should avoid being around people with infections or illnesses. If your next scheduled dose is fast approaching, do not take the missed one.
Interaction with other drug
This effect can be worsened by taking this medication with drugs that cause you to feel dizzy or tired. You should consult your doctor before combining ethosuximide and sleeping pills, pain relievers, muscle relaxers, anxiety or depression medications, or medicines for seizures.Inform your doctor of all seizure medication you are currently taking, as well as any new medications that you may start using or discontinue.Other medications, such as herbal remedies and prescription medicines, may also interact with ethosuximide. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines that you are currently taking and those you plan to start using.
