Methsuximide (By mouth)

Introduction:

Methsuximide (meth-SUX-i-mide)

Treats absence seizures (also called petit mal seizures). This medicine is an anticonvulsant.

Brand Name(s):

Celontin Kapseals

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. This medicine melts easily, so be especially careful to not put it anywhere that is very hot, such as in a closed car.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using other medicine for seizures (such as Depakote®, Dilantin®, Keppra?, Luminal®, Tegretol®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you plan to become pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a blood disorder.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fever, chills, sore throat
• Increase in number of seizures
• Red, swollen, or painful joints
• Severe nausea, vomiting, sleepiness
• Skin rash, blistering, or peeling, or hives
• Sores or white patches in your mouth or throat
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Unusual depression, aggressiveness, confusion, or other changes in behavior

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Loss of appetite, weight loss
• Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: