Yes, methsuximide may be given to children. Methsuximide (Celontin) is an anticonvulsant medication that controls absence seizures by decreasing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Methsuximide may be an effective addition to the drug plan when treating epilepsy in children with intractable seizures. Finding the right dosage for methsuximide may take a bit of trial and error by your child's doctor. As always, the goal is to aim for the smallest dose: just enough to control seizures while keeping side effects low.
Anticonvulsant
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1 AnswerA
Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredFelbamate is the name of the active ingredient in the brand-name medication Felbatol. It is an anticonvulsant drug used in conjunction with other medications or by itself to treat adults with epileptic seizures. Children who have Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a very serious type of epilepsy, may also be treated with felbamate. Other drugs are often used before felbamate. -
1 AnswerA
Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredYou should know that felbamate may cause a decrease in white and red blood cell counts and that may lead to infection or illness. Felbamate can also cause liver damage, so if you have stomach pain or jaundice you should see your doctor immediately. Felbamate has been linked with mood or behavior changes, including depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Do not suddenly stop taking felbamate, as your seizures can worsen. People with liver disease or a history of blood disorders (for example, anemia) should not take felbamate. People with kidney disease or who are pregnant or nursing should take felbamate with caution, and only after talking with their doctor. Felbamate can interact with other medications, including other seizure medications, so you should tell your doctor about all of the medications you take. Interactions are known to occur with carbamazepine, clopidogrel, divalproex, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin and valproic acid.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredIf you have signs of an allergic reaction to felbamate, including trouble breathing, facial swelling, hives and fever, you should seek emergency help. Felbamate can cause changes in mood or behavior, including suicidal thoughts, aggressiveness, anxiety or depression, so you and those around you should pay attention to any of these changes. Side effects that are considered serious are an increase in seizures, weakness, bruising or bleeding, lack of coordination, heart palpitations, flu-like symptoms, dark urine or jaundice. Mild side effects may include fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, weight changes, acne, diarrhea or constipation, nausea or vomiting or blurry vision.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered
Before taking rufinamide, you should be aware of how various illnesses are affected by this medication. Inform your doctor if you have familial short QT syndrome, which is a hereditary heart condition, or if you have any other heart condition in your family.
If you are being treated for dialysis, have liver, or kidney disease, have a mental or mood disorder, or are contemplating having some type of surgery, including a dental surgical procedure, talk to your doctor before taking this medication. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, your doctor will probably advise you not to take rufinamide.
You should know that rufinamide can cause hormonal birth control to become less effective and that drinking alcohol can increase your risk for side effects. Suicidal thoughts and behavior may also occur with this medication. You should inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins and herbs that you are taking, because these substances may interact negatively with rufinamide. Particularly mention valproic acid, phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, primidone, lamotrigine, and triazolam. If you experience any unusual side effects while taking rufinamide, contact your doctor immediately.
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1 AnswerA
Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered
A number of side effects may occur while taking lacosamide, although some are more common than others. Minor side effects include:
- diarrhea
- constipation
- dry mouth
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- loss of coordination or balance
- blurred vision
- sensation of spinning
- trouble concentrating
- tremors
- muscle spasms
- nausea
- vomiting
- headaches
- ringing ears
Contact your doctor if these symptoms persist or become worse.
More serious side effects may occur. If you experience any of the following side effects, seek immediate medical help:
- allergic reactions (i.e. skin rash, hives or itching, breathing difficulty, swelling in the face, tongue, throat or lips)
- memory loss
- lightheadedness
- fainting
- falling
- confusion
- fever
- irregular heart rate
- numbness
- tingling
- back pain
- thoughts of suicide
- mood changes
- anxiety
- panic
- hyperactivity
- talkativeness
- restlessness
- agitation
- aggression
- impulsiveness
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- fever
- swollen glands
- double vision
- easy bleeding or bruising
- extreme nausea or stomach pain
- bloody or cloudy urine
- less urine
- rapid weight gain
- swelling
- yellowed skin or eyes
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1 AnswerA
Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredClassified as an antiepileptic drug, lacosamide is jointly used with other medications for the treatment of partial seizures, partial-onset seizures and focal seizures. Lacosamide should not be used by people younger than 17 years of age, unless otherwise directed by a physician. It is available as a prescription in both tablet and injection form, and is known by the brand name Vimpat.
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1 AnswerA
Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered
Lacosamide has proven effective in treating epileptic seizures. However, before prescribing this drug for you, your doctor will need to know if you have any of the following health conditions:
- liver or kidney disease
- heart disease (i.e. heart failure or sick sinus syndrome)
- dehydration
- a history of drug or alcohol abuse
- thoughts of suicide
- attempted suicide by you or a close family member
If you are allergic to lacosamide or any other medications, dyes, foods, or preservatives, you must tell you doctor to avoid negative interactions. You may also experience following symptoms when taking lacosamide:
- depression
- mood/behavior changes
- panic
- anxiety
- hyperactivity
- restlessness
- talkativeness
- agitation
- anger
- aggression
- impulsiveness
If they persist or worsen, tell your doctor.
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1 AnswerA
Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered
There are several side effects of rufinamide. The most common side effects include headache, sleepiness, difficulty walking, loss of coordination, uncontrollable movements of the eyes, uncontrollable movement or activity, difficulty paying attention, uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body, dizziness, loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, and back pain.
Alert your doctor immediately if you have any serious side effects. More severe side effects include rash, hives, fever, itching, swelling of the face (indicators of an allergic reaction), new seizures, urine changes, decreased coordination, persistent dizziness or weakness, sore throat, odd mood or mental state changes, sleepiness, insomnia, decreased ability to respond to others, yellowing of the skin or eyes, blurred or double vision, light-colored stool, and dark-colored urine.
There is also an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior when taking rufinamide. Medications such as carbamazepine, primidone, triazolam, valproate or valproic acid, interact with rufinamide and can result in serious health problems.
Talk to your doctor about all of your health concerns and about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbs that you are using, before taking rufinamide.
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1 AnswerA
Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredRufinamide is used to treat and control seizures in people who have Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe type of epilepsy. It is not completely clear how rufinamide works; however, it may work by slowing down the unusual nerve impulses that occur in the brain.