felbamate

n

trade name: Felbatol; drug class: anticonvulsant; action: anticonvulsant action is unclear; uses: alone or as an adjunct therapy in partial seizures.

Brand names: Felbatol™

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Felbamate Oral suspension (below)
• Felbamate Oral tablet

Español:
• Felbamato, Suspensión oral
• Felbamato, Tableta oral

Felbamate Oral suspension

What is this medicine?

FELBAMATE (fel BAM ate) is used to control seizures in certain types of epilepsy. This medicine is only for people who have not responded to other therapy.
 
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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
•liver disease
•suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
•an unusual or allergic reaction to felbamate, carbamates, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. This medicine may be taken with or without food. Take your medicien at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What may interact with this medicine?

•carbamazepine
•female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
•phenobarbital
•phenytoin
•sevelamer
•valproic acid

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
•blood in urine
•breathing problems
•confusion
•fever, chills, sore throat
•unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on skin
•unusually weak or tired
•weight loss
•worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying
•yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•changes in taste
•changes in vision
•diarrhea or constipation
•headache
•nausea/vomiting
•tremors
•trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store at controlled room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.