Ethosuximide

Like all medicines, this medication may cause some possible side effects but not everyone experiences them. Consult your healthcare professional if any of the side effects lasts more than a few days or become severe and bothersome.

The common side effects of Ethosuximide include:

• Dizziness
• Get up slowly from sitting or lying down position
• Drowsiness
• Avoid driving or engaging in activities that requires concentration
• Diarrhoea
• Drink more water to replace loss of fluids
• Nausea, vomiting
• Take the medicine with or after food to reduce nausea and vomiting
• Avoid food that is too rich, spicy or has strong smells
• Headache
• Take Paracetamol if needed to relieve headache
• Loss of appetite, abdominal pain
• Hiccups
• Poor muscle coordination

If the following serious side effects happen, you should consult your healthcare professional immediately:

• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash due to Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)
• SJS and TEN are rare and serious skin reactions. Symptoms include face swelling, blisters on skin, skin rashes that spread within hours to days. It usually occurs within the first few months (monitor closely for the first 3 months) of treatment.
• As SJS and TEN progress rapidly, please consult your healthcare professional if you show the first sign of a rash.
• Unusual bleeding and bruising
• Prolonged fever, sore throat and mouth sores
• Rash, joint swelling, swelling at neck and armpits
• Unusual movement disorders

In rare cases, this medication may cause the following changes to a person’s mental condition, especially in the first few weeks of treatment or during dose changes:

• Worsening agitation, restlessness, violent behaviour
• New or worsening thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life
• Other changes in mood or behaviour

Please inform your doctor as soon as possible, or for your family or caregiver to inform your doctor if you are unable to seek treatment on your own.

Do not stop taking this medication on your own without discussing with your doctor.

It is important to note that your doctor has prescribed this medication as he/ she feels you will benefit more from taking this medication over the possible side effects that it may cause, which have a low chance of occurring. Most people take this medication without any such problems.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face / eyes/ lips / tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Inform your healthcare professional if you have the following medical conditions before starting on Ethosuximide:

• Any symptoms of depression and/or suicidal ideation
• Drug allergies

For women: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding. Your doctor would have discussed the potential benefits and side effects with continuing/starting this medication.

Consult your healthcare professional immediately if your seizures get worse or become different after you start on this medication.

Be careful when driving or operating machinery as this medication may cause drowsiness or reduction in your reaction to respond quickly to unexpected and sudden events.