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Brand Names: Zarontin

Generic Name: ethosuximide (Pronunciation: ETH oh SUX i mide)

• What is ethosuximide (Zarontin)?
• What are the possible side effects of ethosuximide (Zarontin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about ethosuximide (Zarontin)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ethosuximide (Zarontin)?
• How should I take ethosuximide (Zarontin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Zarontin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Zarontin)?
• What should I avoid while taking ethosuximide (Zarontin)?
• What other drugs will affect ethosuximide (Zarontin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is ethosuximide (Zarontin)?

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

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

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

Zarontin 250 mg

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What are the possible side effects of ethosuximide (Zarontin)?

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.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, 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:

• fever, chills, flu symptoms, sore throat, swollen glands, feeling very weak;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• joint pain or swelling with mild fever, muscle aches, chest pain when breathing;
• patchy skin color, red spots, or a butterfly shaped skin rash over your cheeks and nose (worsens in sunlight);
• skin rash, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
• confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior, extreme fear;
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling; or
• worsening of seizures.

Less serious side effects may include:

• upset stomach, mild nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, weight loss;
• swelling in your tongue or gums;
• headache, dizziness, drowsiness, feeling tired;
• lack of balance or coordination; or
• unusual vaginal bleeding.

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 is the most important information I should know about ethosuximide (Zarontin)?

Ethosuximide 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.

Ethosuximide 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, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Do not stop using ethosuximide without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have increased seizures if you stop using ethosuximide 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 ethosuximide.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take ethosuximide. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you take seizure medication.

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