What is Methsuximide?
Methsuximide, or anticonvulsant medication, is a drug that treats epilepsy. Methsuximide can be used by itself or with other drugs to treat absence seizures in children and adults. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of methsuximide.
Side effects of Methsuximide
If you notice symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hives or swelling in your lips, face, throat or tongue then an allergy could be to blame. You should tell your doctor if any symptoms worsen or change, including changes in mood, behavior, anxiety, or panic attacks; or if you are feeling impulsive or hyperactive, hostile or aggressive, restless or hyperactive, mentally or physically depressed, or thinking about harming or killing yourself.
Methsuximide can cause serious and even fatal infections. If you notice signs of infection, such as:
- Fever;
- Sore or swollen throat
- Easy bruising and unusual bleeding in the nose and mouth;
- Feeling very tired or weak.
Call your doctor immediately if:
- Extreme fear, confusion, bizarre thoughts, or behaviors;
- Worsening seizures;
- Nausea and unusual behavior or thoughts are all symptoms of lupus syndrome.
- Severe skin reaction: fever, sore throat, swelling of the tongue or face, eye pain, and a reddish or purple rash that spreads to other parts of your body, especially your face and upper part. The rash can blister and peel.
Methsuximide can have a number of side effects.
- Vomiting, nausea, and loss of appetite are all symptoms that can be associated with stomach pain.
- Diarrhea, constipation;
- Weight loss;
- Headache, dizziness, and drowsiness;
- Blurred vision
- Loss of balance
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Call the FDA immediately if experiencing adverse side effects by dialing their toll-free line: 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Methsuximide can cause serious and even fatal infections. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any signs of an infection, such as fever or swollen lymph glands. Stopping abruptly can cause seizures. If you stop suddenly, seizures may increase.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to methsuximide or any other medication that treats seizures, then do not take methsuximide.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that methsuximide 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 may lead to suicidal thoughts for some individuals. Regular visits with your physician provide a useful way for both of you to monitor treatment progress; any changes in mood or symptoms should also be brought up with your family members as soon as they occur. If you're pregnant, follow your doctor’s advice about seizure medications. Never stop or start taking the 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 the pregnancy and evaluate the effects of methsuximide. There is no way to know if methsuximide can pass into the breast milk or harm nursing babies. Inform your doctor that you are breastfeeding a child.
How to take Methsuximide?
Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. If necessary, your doctor will adjust the dose of medication to ensure you receive optimal results. Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dose or use it for longer. Methsuximide weakens your immune system. You may have to test your blood often. Even if you are feeling fine, do not suddenly stop taking methsuximide. Sudden stopping can cause seizures to increase. Be sure to heed your doctor's advice regarding decreasing your dosage. If you notice that your seizures are worsening or occurring more frequently while on methsuximide, call your doctor. You can wear a medical ID tag that states you are taking methsuximide or carry a card. You should let any medical provider that treats you know that seizure medications are taken. Methsuximide is most effective when taken regularly. Refill your prescription before it runs out. Keep away from heat and moistureLiquid medications should never be allowed to freeze.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Seizures:
Initial dose: Orally, 300 mg once daily for the first seven days.
If needed, you can increase your daily dose in weekly increments by 300 mg/day.
Maximum dose: 1200 mg/day
Comments:
The above dosage is recommended, but because therapeutic effects and tolerance can vary between patients, the therapy should be tailored to each individual patient's response.
The optimal dosage is that amount of medication that barely controls seizures so as to keep side effects to a minimum.
Use: To control absence seizures (petit mal), which are resistant to other medications.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Seizures:
Children:
First dose: orally, 10-15 mg/kg/day in divided doses of 3–4.
Increases may occur at intervals of one week.
Maximum dose: 30 mg/kg/day
Comments:
The above dosage is recommended, but because the therapeutic effect may differ from patient to patient, treatment must be tailored according to each individual's response.
The optimal dosage is that amount that barely controls seizures so as to keep side effects to a minimum.
Use: To control absence seizures (petit mal), which are resistant to other medications.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as possible, take the missed dose.If your next dose is due soon, do not take the missed one.You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Reach out for assistance immediately, or dial 1-800-222-1222 if poison has been inhaled. Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and extreme sleepiness.
What should be avoided?
Alcohol consumption with methsuximide may cause adverse effects. The medication can affect your ability to think or react. Care must be taken when driving or engaging in any activity which requires attentiveness, such as exercising. You should avoid being around people with infections or illnesses. If you notice any signs of this, tell your doctor immediately.
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 taking methsuximide along with sleeping pills, narcotic pain medicines, muscle relaxers, anxiety or depression medications, or seizure medicine. Inform your doctor of all seizure medication you are currently taking, as well as any new medications that you may start using or discontinue. Methsuximide may also interact with other drugs, such as prescription medicines, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines that you are currently taking and those that you plan to start using.
