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

• Do not stop taking your medication even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking ethosuximide to prevent your seizures from recurring.
  
  
• Do not change the brand, generic formulation, or dosage of this medication without first talking to your doctor.
  
  
• Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.

What is ethosuximide?

• Ethosuximide is a drug used to control seizures. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures.
  
  
• Ethosuximide is used to treat absence or "petit mal" seizures.
  
  
• Ethosuximide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take ethosuximide?

• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
  
  
  
  • kidney disease or
    
    
  • liver disease.
  
  
• You may not be able to take ethosuximide, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have either of the conditions listed above.
  
  
• It is not known whether ethosuximide will harm an unborn baby. Do not take ethosuximide without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
  
  
• It is not known whether ethosuximide passes into breast milk. Do not take ethosuximide without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take ethosuximide?

• Take ethosuximide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
  
  
• Take each dose of ethosuximide with a full glass of water.
  
  
• Take ethosuximide with food to lessen stomach upset.
  
  
• Measure the liquid form of ethosuximide with a special dose-measuring spoon or a cup not with a regular tablespoon to ensure that you measure the correct amount. If you do not have a dose measuring spoon, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
  
  
• Do not change the brand name, the generic formulation, or the dose of ethosuximide that you are taking without first talking to your doctor.
  
  
• Do not stop taking your medication even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking ethosuximide to prevent your seizures from recurring.
  
  
• Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in case of an emergency.
  
  
• Do not take any capsule or syrup that is discolored.
  
  
• Store ethosuximide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical treatment.
  
  
• Symptoms of a ethosuximide 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 ethosuximide?

• Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can cause deep sedation or sleepiness. It may also increase your risk of having seizures.
  
  
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Ethosuximide may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

What are the possible side effects of ethosuximide?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking ethosuximide and seek emergency medical attention:
  
  
  
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your 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.
  
  
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take ethosuximide and talk to your doctor if you experience
  
  
  • nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, or diarrhea;
    
    
  • mild dizziness or drowsiness;
    
    
  • tender or swollen glands;
    
    
  • headache;
    
    
  • muscle twitches;
    
    
  • increased facial hair;
    
    
  • swelling of the breasts; or
    
    
  • insomnia.
  
  
• 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.

What other drugs will affect ethosuximide?

• Ethosuximide may increase the amount of other antiseizure medications in your blood. Such medications include phenytoin (Dilantin), mephenytoin (Mesantoin), and ethotoin (Peganone). These drugs must be monitored if they are used with ethosuximide to prevent the occurrence of dangerous side effects.
  
  
• Ethosuximide may decrease the level of primidone (Mysoline) in your blood, which could lead to a loss of seizure control.
  
  
• Valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene) may increase or decrease ethosuximide levels and must be used with caution.
  
  
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with ethosuximide. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Disclaimer

The materials contained on the Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador website are to provide general information about epilepsy to the public. The information presented is not intended as medical or legal advice. Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador, its employees, board members, medical advisors, volunteers, agents and sponsors do not assume responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions or for the consequences from the use of the information obtained over this site or any links accessed through this site. Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador is not liable for any outcome or damages resulting from information in either a direct or indirect form. We recognize that each individual's experience of epilepsy is different. Consult your physician and/or neurologist with any questions you have.