What condition does Felbamate treat?
Felbamate is used for the treatment of severe seizures. Seizures are symptoms of a brain problem. They occur because of unexpected and abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
This medication should only be used when you cannot take other medications. It may also be used when other medications have not been able to control your seizures.
Felbamate is known as an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug. This comes as a tablet for oral use. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this medication.
How does Felbamate work?
Felbamate works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain. The brain and nerves are made up of several nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical signals. These signals should be wisely regulated for the brain and nerves to function well. Felbamate prevents epileptic fits by preventing excessive electrical activity in the brain. It is thought to achieve this by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
This drug increases the activity of GABA and lessens the activity of glutamate in the brain. These actions help stabilize the electrical activity in the brain and prevent seizures.
What is the recommended dosage for Felbamate?
This is to be taken by mouth as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response.
This is usually taken 3 to 4 times a day. You may take each dose with or without food. If a stomach upset occurs, you may take it with food or milk. Remember to take it at the same time every day. If you are already taking other anti-seizure medications, carefully follow the directions given by your doctor for adjusting the dose of these other medications when you start taking Felbamate.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. You should not also take this more than the prescription. Use this regularly to get the most benefit from it.
What are the side effects of Felbamate?
Common side effects:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Tired feeling
- Acne
- Blurred vision
- Changes in your sense of taste
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itching or skin rash
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Changes in weight or appetite
What are the precautions in taking Felbamate?
- Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it. Tell also if you have any medical history or current medications/treatments.
- You should not share this with others who have the same symptoms as yours.
- This drug may make you feel dizzy or blur your vision. Do not drive or use any machinery.
- This may not be recommended for pregnant women. If you are breastfeeding women, talk with your doctor first. Discuss the risks and benefits of this drug.
- Remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.
- Do your best to follow the given instructions of your doctor. If you forget doses often, it may be a good idea to watch with an alarm to remind you.
- Serious liver and blood problems have occurred in a small number of people taking this medication. For this reason, make sure to read about the serious side effects so you will be aware of symptoms that might indicate the beginning of one of these problems.
- A rash occurs in a small number of individuals who take this drug. This reaction usually occurs within the first few weeks of treatment. Call your doctor if a rash develops.
