Methsuximide capsules

What are Methsuximide capsules?

METHSUXIMIDE (Celontin®) is an anticonvulsant medication. This drug can help with seizure (convulsion) control in those with absence seizures (petit mal epilepsy). Generic methsuximide capsules are not available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood disorders or disease

• depression

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• mental disorders

• suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member

• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

• an unusual or allergic reaction to methsuximide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take methsuximide capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. If methsuximide upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed and do not stop taking it without consulting your health care provider. Stopping this medicine too quickly may cause your seizures to worsen.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Methsuximide?

• alcohol

• evening primrose oil

• lamotrigine

• phenobarbital

• phenytoin or fosphenytoin

• primidone

• sevelamer

• valproic acid

• other seizure (convulsion) or epilepsy medicine

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Methsuximide?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for a regular check on your progress. Do not stop taking methsuximide suddenly because this increases the risk of seizures. Wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. Carry an identification card with information about your condition, medications, and prescriber or health care professional.

You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how methsuximide affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.

Promptly report any signs of infection, including fever, sore throat, or swollen glands, to your health care professional. Also report skin rashes, or redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking methsuximide.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Methsuximide?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• blurred vision

• difficulty speaking

• fever, sore throat, swollen glands

• hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there)

• mood changes, confusion, nervousness, or hostility

• muscle or bone aches and pain

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• shortness of breath, or wheezing

• skin rash and itching

• swelling or pain around eyes

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusual tiredness or weakness

• worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• bloating or gas

• clumsiness or unsteadiness

• constipation or diarrhea

• dizziness or drowsiness

• headache

• hiccups

• insomnia

• loss of appetite

• nausea, vomiting

• sensitivity to light

• stomach cramps

• weight loss

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.