Methsuximide

Pronunciation: meth-SUX-i-mide
Generic Name: Methsuximide
Brand Name: Celontin

Methsuximide is used for:

Treating certain types of seizures when other medicines have failed.

Methsuximide is an anticonvulsant. It works by reducing abnormal nerve transmission in the brain, which helps decrease seizures.

Do NOT use Methsuximide if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Methsuximide or to other succinimides (eg, ethosuximide)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Methsuximide:

Some medical conditions may interact with Methsuximide. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have the blood disease porphyria, liver or kidney problems, or lupus


• if you have a history of mental or mood problems (eg, depression), or suicidal thoughts or attempts

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Methsuximide. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital) or hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because the side effects of Methsuximide may be increased


• Lamotrigine because its effectiveness may be decreased by Methsuximide

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Methsuximide may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Methsuximide:

Use Methsuximide as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Methsuximide comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Methsuximide refilled.


• Methsuximide may be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.


• Do not take capsules that are not full or in which the contents have melted.


• Do not suddenly stop taking Methsuximide. You may have an increased risk of side effects (eg, seizures). If you need to stop Methsuximide or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose.


• If you miss a dose of Methsuximide, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Methsuximide.

Important safety information:

• Methsuximide may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Methsuximide. Using Methsuximide alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.


• Do NOT take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.


• Patients who take Methsuximide may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. The risk may be greater in patients who have had suicidal thoughts or actions in the past. Watch patients who take Methsuximide closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual changes in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.


• Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts or liver or kidney function tests, may be performed while you use Methsuximide. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Methsuximide may cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Methsuximide during pregnancy. It is unknown if Methsuximide is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while taking Methsuximide, check with your doctor to discuss the risk to your baby.

If you suddenly stop taking Methsuximide, you may experience WITHDRAWAL symptoms, including seizures.

Possible side effects of Methsuximide:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; loss of appetite; loss of coordination; nausea; stomach pain; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weight loss.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); aggressive behavior; bloody urine; blurred vision or other vision changes; clumsiness; confusion; dark urine; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; hallucinations; new or worsening mood or mental changes (eg, anxiety, depression, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, panic attacks, behavior changes, suicidal thoughts or attempts); new or worsening seizures; red, swollen, peeling, or blistered skin; sensitivity to light; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Methsuximide side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include coma; nausea; slow breathing; vomiting.

Proper storage of Methsuximide:

Store Methsuximide at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from light, moisture, and excessive heat (104 degrees F [40 degrees C]). Keep Methsuximide out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Methsuximide, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Methsuximide is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Methsuximide. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Methsuximide resources

• Methsuximide Side Effects (in more detail)
• Methsuximide Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Methsuximide Drug Interactions
• Methsuximide Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Methsuximide - Add your own review/rating

• Methsuximide Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• methsuximide Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)


• methsuximide Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Celontin Prescribing Information (FDA)

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