Celontin

Generic Name: methsuximide (meth SUX i mide)Brand Names: Celontin

What is Celontin (methsuximide)?

Methsuximide is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant.

Methsuximide is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat absence seizures (also called "petit mal" seizures) in adults and children.

Methsuximide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Celontin (methsuximide)?Methsuximide can cause a decrease in many types of blood cells (white cells, red cells, platelets). Call your doctor at once if you have any unusual bleeding, weakness, or any signs of infection, even if these symptoms first occur after you have been using the medication for several months.

Methsuximide may also cause liver damage. Call your doctor if you have symptoms such as loss of appetite, stomach pain, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Do not stop taking methsuximide without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking methsuximide suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking methsuximide.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking methsuximide, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Celontin (methsuximide)?You should not use this medication if you are allergic to methsuximide or to other seizure medications.

If you have lupus, liver disease, or kidney disease, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take methsuximide.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether methsuximide is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Your name may need to be listed on a pregnancy registry if you use seizure medication during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and delivery to evaluate whether the medication had any effect on the baby.

It is not known whether methsuximide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Celontin (methsuximide)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Methsuximide can cause a decrease in many types of blood cells (white cells, red cells, platelets). This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Call your doctor at once if you have any unusual bleeding, weakness, or any signs of infection, including flu-like symptoms. These symptoms may first develop even after you have been using the medication for several months.

To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis while taking methsuximide. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Do not stop taking methsuximide without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking methsuximide suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking methsuximide.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking methsuximide, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.

It is important to use methsuximide regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store methsuximide at room temperature away from moisture and heat. High heat can cause a methsuximide capsule to melt.

See also: Celontin dosage in more detail

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, extreme drowsiness, and weak or shallow breathing.

What should I avoid while taking Celontin (methsuximide)?

Methsuximide can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Celontin (methsuximide) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), mouth sores, unusual weakness;

• signs of liver damage, such as nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, chest pain;

• patchy skin color, red spots, or a butterfly-shaped skin rash over your cheeks and nose (worsens in sunlight);

• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or

• worsening of seizures.

Less serious side effects may include:

• diarrhea, constipation;

• hiccups, vomiting, weight loss;

• dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, confusion;

• blurred vision;

• sleep problems (insomnia); or

• loss of balance or coordination.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Celontin (methsuximide)?

Before taking methsuximide, tell your doctor about all other seizure medications you use, especially:

• phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); or

• phenytoin (Dilantin).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with methsuximide. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about methsuximide.

• 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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