Ethosuximide

Brand names

• Zarontin

Usage

To control seizures in patients with certain types of epilepsy.

How it works

Ethosuximide acts on the central nervous system to control the number and severity of seizures. It is thought to depress the activity of certain parts of the brain and suppress the abnormal transmission of nerve impulses that causes absence seizures.

Side effects

Serious

Sore throat, fever, swollen glands, red or purple point like rash on the skin or mucous membranes, blistering or peeling skin lesions, mouth sores, easy bruising, paleness, weakness, confusion, lethargy, muscle pain, or seizures may be a sign of a potentially fatal blood reaction or other complication.

Common

Nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach upset, gastrointestinal cramps, weight loss, diarrhea, sedation, mild sensory nerve impairment.

Less common

Irritability, headache, dizziness, sleep disturbances. There are numerous additional side effects associated with the use of this medicament; consult your physician if you are concerned about any adverse or unusual reactions.

Possible interactions

Other medicaments:

Ethosuximide may increase the effects of:

• phenytoin (Dilantin) and fosphenytoin (Cerebyx), by slowing elimination.

Ethosuximide taken concurrently with:



• carbamazepine (Tegretol) may change ethosuximide blood levels.
• phenobarbital may decrease seizure control success.
• ritonavir (Norvir) and perhaps other protease inhibitors may lead to toxicity.
• tramadol (Ultram) may increase seizure risk.
• valproic acid (Depakene) may unpredictably alter ethosuximide effects.

The following medicament may increase the effects of ethosuximide:



• isoniazid (INH, Niconyl, etc.).

Herbal medicines or minerals:

Valerian and kava kava may interact additively (drowsiness). Avoid these combinations.

Alcohol:

Use caution-this medicament may increase the sedative effects of alcohol. Excessive alcohol may precipitate seizures.

Discontinuation:

Do not stop taking this medicament abruptly. Ask your physician for help with gradual dose reduction.