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Felbamate - Learn about Felbamate Side Effects and Precautions

Felbamate Information

The pharmacology action of Felbamate is that it may reduce seizure spread in generalized tonic-clonic or partial seizures and may increase seizure threshold in absence seizures.

Felbamate is used in monotherapy or adjunctive therapy in treatment of partial seizures with and without generalization in epileptic adults. Adjunctive therapy in treatment of partial and generalized seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in children.

Interaction and Contraindication of Felbamate

Interaction of Felbamate - Antiepileptic drugs:  Felbamate may increase blood levels of phenytoin and valproic acid and decrease blood levels of carbamazepine. Phenytoin or carbamazepine may increase clearance of felbamate.

Contraindication of Felbamate - Hypersensitivity to felbamate or ingredients of this product; hypersensitivity reactions to other carbamates; history of any blood dyscrasia or hepatic dysfunction.

Side Effects of Felbamate

Here are the list of some common side effects of Felbamate :

• Insomnia; headache; anxiety; somnolence; dizziness; nervousness; tremor; abnormal gait; depression; paresthesia; ataxia; dry mouth; stupor; thinking abnormalities; emotional lability.
• Diplopia; abnormal vision; miosis; otitis media; rhinitis; sinusitis; taste perversion; pharyngitis.
• Dyspepsia; vomiting; constipation; diarrhea; nausea; anorexia; abdominal pain; hiccoughs
• Urinary incontinence; intramenstrual bleeding; UTI
• Aplastic anemia; purpura; leukopenia.
• Upper respiratory tract infection; coughing.
• Fatigue; weight decrease; facial edema; fever; chest pain; pain; hypophosphatemia; myalgia.

Precaution and Warning while taking Felbamate

The precaution and warnings of Felbamate drug is as follows:

• Remind patient to take tablet whole; do not crush.
• Inform patient that tablet may be taken with food.
• Caution patient to not stop taking this medication suddenly because of possibility of increasing seizure frequency.
• Advise patient to avoid exposure to sunlight or sunlamps and to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing to avoid photosensitivity reaction.
• Instruct patient and family that if seizures occur, they should protect patient from injury.
• Inform patient to report these symptoms to health care provider: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, weight loss/gain, anxiety, nervousness, tremors, dizziness, depression, chest pain, fever, headache, poor coordination, drowsiness, sleeplessness, edema (fluid retention), intramenstrual bleeding (women), dry mouth, vision problems and any changes in seizure activity.

How to store Felbamate

• Instruct patient to take tablet whole with full glass of water; do not crush.
• May administer tablet with food.
• Administer suspension if patient is unable to swallow tablets.
• Shake suspension prior to administration.
• Do not discontinue administration suddenly because of the possibility of increased frequency of seizures.
• Store at room temperature in tightly closed container away from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and moisture.