methsuximide

(meth SUX i mide)
Celontin

What is the most important information I should know about methsuximide?

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Do not stop taking methsuximide even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking methsuximide to prevent seizures from recurring.

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Do not change the brand, generic formulation, or dosage of this medication without first talking to your doctor.

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Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.

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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Methsuximide may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

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Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can cause deep sedation or sleepiness when taken with methsuximide.

What is methsuximide?

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Methsuximide is an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures.

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Methsuximide is used to treat absence or "petit mal" seizures that have not responded to other antiseizure medicines.

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Methsuximide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking methsuximide?

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Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

kidney disease or

liver disease.

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You may not be able to take methsuximide, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have either of the conditions listed above.

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Methsuximide may cause serious blood problems. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms, which may be early signs of potential blood problems: fever, sore throat, rash, sores in the mouth, easy bruising, or red or purple bruising.

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It is not known whether methsuximide will harm an unborn baby. Do not take methsuximide without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

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It is not known whether methsuximide passes into breast milk. Do not take methsuximide without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take methsuximide?

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Take methsuximide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

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Take each dose of methsuximide with a full glass of water.

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Take methsuximide with food to lessen stomach upset.

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Do not change the brand name, generic formulation, or dosage of methsuximide that you are taking without first talking to your doctor.

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Do not stop taking methsuximide even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking methsuximide to prevent seizures from recurring.

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It is important to take methsuximide regularly to get the most benefit.

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Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with methsuximide to monitor progress and side effects.

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Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.

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Do not take any capsule that is discolored.

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Store methsuximide at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not expose the medication to excessive temperatures (such as a hot car, etc.). Excessive temperatures may cause the medication to lose its potency.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

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Seek emergency medical treatment if an overdose is suspected.

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Symptoms of a methsuximide overdose include confusion, slurred speech, stumbling or staggering walk, imbalance, drowsiness, unconsciousness, nausea, vomiting, tremor, low blood pressure, and slow breathing.

What should I avoid while taking methsuximide?

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Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can cause deep sedation or sleepiness when taken with methsuximide.

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What are the possible side effects of methsuximide?

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If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking methsuximide and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

hallucinations or agitation;

slurred speech or staggering walk;

a rash;

changes in vision;

easy bruising or bleeding; or

swollen or tender gums.

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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take methsuximide and talk to your doctor if you experience

nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, or diarrhea;

mild dizziness or drowsiness;

tender or swollen glands;

hiccups;

irritability and nervousness;

headache;

abdominal pain;

muscle twitches;

increased facial hair;

swelling of the breasts; or

insomnia.

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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

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What other drugs will affect methsuximide?

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Methsuximide may affect the blood levels of other seizure medicines (including phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal), and others). Talk to your doctor if you are also taking other seizure medications. Special monitoring may be necessary.

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Methsuximide may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including other seizure medications, pain relievers, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), antidepressants, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with methsuximide. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

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Your pharmacist has additional information about methsuximide written for health professionals that you may read.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.