How does it work?

Ethosuximide is an anti-epileptic medicine that can be used to regulate the activity of nerves. The brain and nerves are made up of many nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical signals. These signals must be carefully regulated for the brain and nerves to function properly. When abnormally rapid and repetitive electrical signals are released in the brain, it becomes over-stimulated and normal function is disturbed. This results in fits or seizures. Chemicals must pass through openings on nerve cells for electrical signals to be sent from one area of the brain to another. Ethosuximide works by blocking some of these openings. By blocking these openings, ethosuximide prevents repetitive firing of electrical signals. Thereby electrical nerve activity in the brain is stabilised, leading to prevention of seizures and maintenance of normal brain function. Ethosuximide may be used alone to treat absence (petit mal) seizures. When other forms of epilepsy are also occurring (such as grand mal seizures), ethosuximide must be used in combination with other anti-epileptic medicines.

What is it used for?

Absence seizures

Tonic-clonic seizures

Warning!

This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

You should not suddenly stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

This medicine may cause blood or liver disorders. Regular blood tests should be conducted. If fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, easy bruising or rash occur, notify your doctor immediately.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Label warnings

Do not stop taking this medication except on your doctor's advice.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Drowsiness

Excitement

Blood disorders

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

Decreased appetite

Dizziness

Abnormal movements of the hands, legs, face, neck and tongue, eg tremor, twitching, rigidity (extrapyramidal effects)

Shaky movements and unsteady walk (ataxia)

Depressed mood

Indifference/apathy

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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