Key facts about Methsuximide
What dosages is Methsuximide available in?
Methsuximide is available as a 300 mg oral capsule.
What is Methsuximide used for?
Methsuximide is an antiepileptic and is used to treat absence (petite mal) seizures, when other medications aren’t working well enough.
How does Methsuximide work?
Methsuximide is an antiepiletic (anti-seizure) medication. It calms certain nerves and brain activity that are linked to seizures in people who have absence (petit mal) epilepsy (a condition with recurring seizures).
How do I take Methsuximide?
Methsuximide is typically dosed at 300 mg by mouth daily. If necessary, your provider will raise your dose slowly about every week until they find the right dose for you. The maximum dose is 1.2 grams (1,200 mg) total per day.
Is it safe for me to take Methsuximide?
Methsuximide is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Methsuximide Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Methsuximide:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Poor appetite
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty with walking, movement, or coordination
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Blurred vision
Methsuximide Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Methsuximide. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Low blood cell counts: getting sick more often, feeling weak or short of breath more than usual
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Methsuximide
The following medications may interact with Methsuximide:
- Since Methsuximide may interact with concurrently administered antiepileptic drugs, periodic serum level determinations of these drugs may be necessary (eg, Methsuximide may increase the plasma concentrations of phenytoin and phenobarbital)
Who makes Methsuximide?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Methsuximide safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Methsuximide can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant while taking Methsuximide. You and your healthcare provider will decide if you should take Methsuximide while you are pregnant.
If you become pregnant while taking Methsuximide, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the safety of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy. You can enroll in this registry by calling 1‑888‑233‑2334.
