Drugs Blog

Type of Drug:

Anticonvulsant; antiepileptic.

How the Felbamate Product Works:

Felbamate acts on the central nervous system to decrease the frequency of seizures.

Uses of The Felbamate:

Felbamate is not indicated as a first-line antiepileptic treatment. Felbamate is recommended for use only in those patients who respond inadequately to alternative treatments and whose epilepsy is so severe that a substantial risk of aplastic anemia or liver failure is deemed acceptable in light of the benefits conferred by its use.

Felbamate is indicated as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures with and without generalization in adults with epilepsy.

Also indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial or generalized seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in children.

Precations:

Alastic anemia: This drug should be used only in cases so severe that the risk of a plastic anemia (bone marrow failure) is seemed acceptable.

Liver failure: There have been cases of acute liver failure, some fatal, in association with the use of felbamate.

Discontinuation: Antiepileptic drugs should not be suddenly discontinued because of the risk of increasing seizure frequency.

Sensitivity to light: May cause photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight). Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and other ultraviolet light. Use sunscreens and wear protective clothing until tolerance is determined.

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits out­weigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: Felbamate appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children other than those with Lennox­Gastaut syndrome have not been established.

Lab Tests: Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Tests may include liver function tests (ALT, AST, and bilirubin).

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking felbamate. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with felbamate:

Carbamazepine (eg, Tegretol)

Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin)

Methsuximide (celontin)

Phenobarbital (eg, Solfoton)

Valproic acid (eg, depakene)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many felbamate users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Upset stomach; vomiting; constipation; indigestion; diarrhea; nausea; appetite loss; stomach pain or bloating; hiccough.

Nervous System: Sleeplessness; headache; anxiety; drowsiness; dizziness; nervousness; tremor; depression; abnormal walking; abnormal skin sensations; stupor; confusion; mood changes (especially in children); unstable emotions; abnormal thinking; pinpoint pupils; incoordination; agitation.

Respiratory System: Upper respiratory tract (eg, nose, throat) infection; nasal congestion; sinus inflammation; sore throat; coughing.

Skin: Acne; rash; itching; yellowing of the skin; unusual bruising; sensitivity to light.

Urinary and Reproductive Tract: Urinary incontinence; irregular menstrual bleeding; urinary tract infection.

Other: Aplastic anemia (bone marrow failure); acute liver failure; fatigue; fever; chest pain; palpitations (pounding in the chest); weight fluctuation; face edema (fluid retention or swelling); pain; weakness; impaired vision; chnnges in taste perception; dry mouth; muscle pain; bleeding or brusung; flu symptoms; general body discomfort; fast heartbeat; middle ear infection; abnormal blood counts; abnormal lab tests.

Guidelines for Use:

Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.

Do not change the dose or stop taking, unless advised by your doctor.

May be taken with or without food.

Shake suspension well before use.

Do not discontinue use without first checking with your doctor. If you stop taking this drug suddenly, the frequency of your seizures could increase.

May cause photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight). Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and other ultraviolet (UV) light. Use sunscreens and wear protective clothing until tolerance is determined.

Notify your doctor immediately if you experience fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, appetite loss, stomach pain or bloating, weakness, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, rash, or dark urine.

Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

Type of Drug:

Anticonvulsant; drug used to treat a variety of seizure disorders.

How the Oxcarbazepine Product Works:

Oxcarbazepine prevents or reduces some types of seizures by controlling abnormal nerve impulses in the brain.

Uses of The Oxcarbazepine:

For use alone or in combination therapy for the treatment of partial seizures in adults with epilepsy and as combination therapy for the treatment of partial seizures in children 4 to 16 years of age with epilepsy.

Unlabeled Uses: Oxcarbazepine has been used for atypical panic disorder.

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations: Allergy to oxcarbazepine or any of its ingredients.

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled clinical studies in pregnant women; however, it is closely related structurally to carbamazepine, which is considered to be teratogenic in humans. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed and the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: Oxcarbazepine and its active metabolite MHO are excreted in human breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, decide whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug in nursing women, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Children: Oxcarbazepine has been shown to be effective as adjunctive therapy combined with other drugs for partial seizures in patients 4 to 16 years of age.

Lab Tests: Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy. Tests may include blood sodium levels, liver function, kidney function, and blood tests.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with oxcarbazepine. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with oxcarbazepine:

• Calcium channel blockers (eg, felodipine)
• Carbamazepine (eg, tegretol)
• Phenobarbital (eg, solfoton)
• Phenytoin (eg, dilantin)
• Valproic acid (eg, depakene)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many oxcarbazepine users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; stomach pain; inflammation of the stomach; appetite changes; dry mouth; toothache; diarrhea; indigestion; constipation; rectal bleeding or pain.

Nervous System: Headache; dizziness; drowsiness; anxiety; fatigue; weak­ness; incoordination; tremors; continual rapid eye movement; abnormal gait; sleeplessness; impaired concentration; amnesia; worsening of seizures; involuntary muscle contractions; unstable emotions; decreased sensation to stimuli; nervousness; agitation; speech disorder; confusion; feeling of whirling motion; abnormal EEG; abnormal thinking.

Respiratory System: Sinus congestion; runny nose; upper respiratory infection; cough; breathing difficulties; sore throat; nosebleed; chest infection.

Skin: Acne; hot flashes; flushing; rash; unusual bruising; increased sweating; itching.

Other: Double vision; abnormal vision; earache; ear infection; fever; allergy; swelling of the legs; chest pain; weight increase; low blood pressure; following down; swollen lymph nodes; viral infection; urinary tract infection; frequent urination; inflammation or pain of the vagina; low blood sodium levels; thirst.

Guidelines for Use:

• Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.
• Do not stop taking or change the dose unless advised to do so by your doctor.
• May be taken without regard to meals.
• Avoid alcohol and other mental depressants (eg, narcotics, tranquilizers, antihistamines) while you are taking this medicine.
• Treatment should be withdrawn gradually to minimize the potential of increased seizure frequency.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Additional non hormonal forms of contraception (eg, latex condoms) are recommended because of a reduction in hormonal contraceptive efficacy during therapy.
• Avoid alcohol during therapy; it may cause drowsiness.
• May cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Use caution while driving or performing hazardous tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity until tolerance is determined.
• Store at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F). Keep tightly closed

Type of Drug:

Anticonvulsant; drug used to treat epilepsy, seizures, and other conditions.

How the Drug Works:

Valproic acid prevents or reduces the number of seizures by controlling the abnormal activity of nerve impulses in the brain and central nervous system. Sodium valproate and divalproex sodium are converted to valproic acid in the body.

Uses:

Used alone or in combination with other anticonvulsants to control simple and complex absence seizures (petit mal).

Used alone or in combination with other anticonvulsants to control isolated complex partial seizures or complex partial seizures associated with other types of seizures.

Delayed-release tablets: To treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder.

Delayed-release, extended-release tablets: For the prevention of migraine headaches.

Unlabeled Uses: May be effective as an adjunct to antipsychotic drugs in the symptomatic management of schizophrenia in patients who fail to respond to an adequate trial of the antipsychotic agent alone. Also may be a useful adjunct in schizophrenic patients with EEG abnormalities suggestive of seizure activity, or in those patients with agitated or violent behavior. May be effective in relieving tardive dyskinesia in patient receiving long-term antipsychotic drug therapy. For the treatment of aggressive outbursts in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Has been shown to be effective in a limited number of nations with organic brain syndrome.

Precautions:

Liver disease: Liver failure resulting in death has occurred in patients receiving valproic acid and its derivatives. Children younger than 2 years of age are at an increased risk of developing fatal liver toxicity, especially if they are taking several anticonvulsant medications or have birth­related metabolic disorders, severe seizure disorders accompanied by mental retardation, or brain damage. Liver problems usually occur during the first 6 months of treatment. Loss of seizure control, general feeling of ill health, weakness, drowsiness, facial swelling, appetite loss, yellowing of skin and eyes, or persistent or unexplained vomiting may be warning signs of possible liver problems.

Pancreatitis: Cases of life-threatening pancreatitis have been reported in children and adults receiving valproate. Pancreatitis can occur at any time while using valproic acid. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or anorexia can be symptoms of pancreatitis that require prompt medical evaluation.

Pregnancy: Studies have shown a potential risk to the fetus. Using these drugs during pregnancy may result in birth defects. If you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the possible risks to the unborn infant. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks.

Breastfeeding: Valproic acid appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Children younger than 2 years of age may be particularly sensitive to the possible liver damage caused by valproic acid, especially if taking other anticonvulsant drugs at the same time. Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children younger than 18 years of age for treatment of acute mania. Safety and efficacy of divalproex sodium for the prevention of migraines has not been established in children younger than 16 years of age. Safety and effectiveness of divalproex sodium extended-release tablets for the prevention of migraine headache and treatment of epilepsy have not been established in children younger than 18 years of age. Sprinkle capsules me for adults and children 10 years of age and older. Consult your doctor See Liver disease.

Elderly: Elderly patients may be at an increased risk of drowsiness and tremor. Lower doses are usually used when starting therapy.

Lab Tests: Lab tests will be required during treatment. Tests may include liver function, blood cell counts, blood-clotting tests, and valproic acid blood levels.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with this drug. Drug doses may need to be modified or a different drug prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with this drug:

• Carbamazepine (eg, Tegretol)
• Diazepam (eg, Valium)
• Ethosuximide (eg, Zarontin)
• Felbamate (Felbatol)
• Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin)
• Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
• Phenobarbital (eg, Solfoton)
• Primidone (eg, Mysoline)
• Salicylates (eg, aspirin)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Senses: Abnormal vision; eye redness or pain; blurred or double vision; spots before the eyes; unusual eye movements; dry eyes; hearing loss; ear pain or disorder; ringing in the ears; taste perversion.

Digestive Tract: Appetite changes; nausea; vomiting; stomach cramps or pain; indigestion; diarrhea; fecal incontinence; constipation; gas; tongue inflammation; vomiting of blood; belching; pancreatitis.

Nervous System: Weakness; tiredness; nervousness; forgetfulness; clumsiness; drowsiness; behavior changes; depression; headache; tremors; hallucinations; dizziness; slurred speech; abnormal dreams; abnormal thinking; agitation; abnormal gait; twitching; abnormal skin sensations (eg, burning, prickling, tingling); feeling of whirling motion; exaggerated sense of well-being; decreased sense of stimulation; difficulty moving; increased reflexes; confusion; sleeplessness; behavioral deterioration; anxiety.

Circulatory System: Changes in blood pressure; pounding in the chest (eg pitations); dizziness or light-headedness when rising from a sitting or lying position (postural hypotension); fast heartbeat; flushing; chest pain

Skin: Yellowing of skin or eyes; unusual bleeding or bruising; sensitivity 10 sunlight; rash; itching; dry or oily skin; skin redness; hair follicle infection; hair loss.

Other: Swelling of the face, hands, or feet; weight changes; abscessed teeth; muscle, joint, and back pain; leg cramps; tight muscles; difficulty breathing; increased cough; runny nose; frequent, painful, or difficult urination; loss of bladder control; chills; fever; neck pain or stiffness; changes in menstrual periods; painful menstruation; injection site reactions; sore throat; flu-like syndrome; sweating; general body discomfort; vaginal infection; bronchitis; respiratory infection; muscle weakness; nosebleed; sinus infection; difficulty speaking.

Guidelines for Use:

• Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.
• Do not stop taking or change the dose, unless instructed by your doctor. If you stop taking this medicine suddenly, your seizures may suddenly begin again.
• May cause stomach upset. Take with food.
• Tablets, capsules – Swallow whole; do not chew or crush. Chewing or crushing may cause irritation in the mouth or throat.
• Sprinkle capsules – May be swallowed whole or taken by opening the capsule and sprinkling the contents on a small amount (teaspoonful) of soft foods such as applesauce or pudding. Swallow quickly without chewing. Do not store drug/food mixture for future use. Some of the specially coated sprinkles may be seen in the stool. This is normal and no cause for concern.
• May cause dizziness, drowsiness, or sleepiness. Use caution when driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity until tolerance is determined. Taking at bedtime may help decrease drowsiness.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience loss of seizure control, weakness, swelling of the face, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin reactions, lethargy, general body discomfort, appetite loss, yellowing of skin or eyes, vomiting, nausea, or stomach pain.
• If dose is missed, take as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless instructed by your doctor. If more than one dose if missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, con­tact your doctor or pharmacist.
• When you first begin taking this medicine, see your doctor regularly. Your doctor may want to adjust the dose you are taking to make sure it is the best dose to control your condition and minimize side effects. Checkups are particularly important if you are taking other anticonvulsant drugs with valproic acid.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, become pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• Diabetes – These drugs may interfere with urine tests for ketones and may give inaccurate test results.
• Using these drugs with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants (eg, narcotic pain relievers, sedatives) may cause additional drowsiness.
• Carry Medic Alert identification indicating that you are taking these drugs and have epilepsy.
• May cause sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and other ultraviolet light. Use sunscreens and wear protective clothing until tolerance is determined.
• Store capsules at 59° to 77°F. Store tablets and syrup below 86°F.

Type of Drug:

Anticonvulsants; drug to treat epilepsy and seizures.

How the Drug Works:

To control absence act on central nervous system to decrease the frequency of seizures.

Uses:

To control absence (petit mal) seizures that do not respond to other anti seizure medications.

Precautions:

Photosensitivity, sensitivity to sunlight, may occur. Therefore, use caution and take protective measures (eg, sunscreens, protective clothing) against exposure to ultraviolet light or sunlight until tolerance is determined.

Pregnancy: Reports suggest an association between use of anticonvulsant drugs by women with epilepsy and an increased number of birth defects in children born to these women. Other factors (eg, genetics or the epileptic condition) may also contribute to the higher incidence of birth defects. Most mothers receiving anticonvulsant medication deliver normal infants. Do not discontinue anticonvulsant drugs used to prevent major seizures. This could result in the occurrence of seizures and oxygen deficiency in body tissues and an increased risk to both the mother and the unborn child. In cases where seizures do not pose a serious threat, your doctor may recommend discontinuation of anticonvulsant’s prior to and during pregnancy. It is not known whether even minor seizures constitute some risk to the developing embryo or fetus. Reports suggest that mother’s use of anticonvulsant drugs, particularly illiterates, is associated with a blood clotting defect in the new bone that may cause a bleeding problem within 24 hours of birth. It has been suggested that vitamin K he given to the mother prior to and during deliver, and to the infant , immediately after birth.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if oxazolidinediones appear in breast milk.

Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children under 16 years of age have not been established.

Lab Tests: Lab tests may be required during treatment with oxazolidinediones. Be sure to keep appointments. Tests may include blood counts, liver and kidney function tests, eye exams and urinalysis.

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many oxazolidinedione users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain; appetite loss; gastric distress.

Nervous System: Drowsiness; dizziness; headache; personality changes’, irritability; fatigue; sleeplessness; muscle weakness.

Skin: Rash; unusual bleeding or bruising; yellowing of eyes or skin; hair loss; itching; peeling skin.

Other: Vision changes, double vision; sore throat; fever; muscle weakness (especially eyes, eyelids, face, lips, tongue, throat or neck); sensitivity to sunlight; fatigue; abnormal lab tests (see Precautions); weight loss; hiccoughs; blood pressure changes; protein in urine; day blindness; bleeding gums; nosebleeds; vaginal bleeding; blood disorder; decreased blood platelets; anemia; bleeding.

Guidelines for Use:

• If stomach upset occurs, take with food.
• Do not change the dose or stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
• Keep scheduled appointments with your doctor, and carry Medic Alert identification listing your medical condition (epilepsy) and medication.
• May cause drowsiness or blurred vision. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness.
• Notify your doctor if any of the following should occur: Visual disturbances, excessive drowsiness or dizziness, sore throat, fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, pregnancy, body discomfort or nosebleed.
• Withdraw drug gradually unless serious adverse effects dictate otherwise.
• May cause sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Use sunscreens and wear protective clothing until tolerance is determined.
• Store capsules below 77°F. Store tablets in refrigerator and keep cotillion er tightly closed. Store solution below B6°F.