Do you or someone in your family have a condition called epilepsy that causes seizures? If so, your doctor may have prescribed you a medication called Methsuximide. It is commonly known by the brand name Celontin. So, it is important to know exactly what this medication is. Today, we will talk about it in a simple way that you can understand.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this medicine works by controlling the nerves in our brain from becoming overactive and overactive. The main reason for a seizure is when these nerves suddenly become overstimulated and send abnormal electrical signals throughout the brain. So, Methsuximide works by calming those nerves and preventing or controlling the seizure.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she will need to have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about them.
| Do you have these conditions? | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Any blood disease or blood disorder | This medicine can affect some blood cells. |
| Kidney disease | The kidneys may have difficulty removing the medication from the body. |
| Liver disease | Since the liver processes the drug, problems can occur in the event of illness. |
| Lupus disease | This medicine may cause or worsen lupus symptoms. |
| You or a family member has suicidal thoughts or depression | This medicine may affect the mental state of some people. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods, or dyes | To find out if you are allergic to this medicine or any of its ingredients. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | Because the medicine can affect the baby, the doctor must weigh the risks and benefits. |
How should I use this medicine?
The method of using this medicine is very simple, but very important.
- Take this pill/capsule with a glass of water.
- Take the medicine as prescribed by your doctor, in the prescribed dosage, at the prescribed time .
- This is the most important thing: Never stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so can greatly increase your risk of having a seizure. If you need to stop taking the medicine, your doctor will tell you how to stop taking it safely by gradually reducing the dose.
- Read the special information leaflet (MedGuide) given to you carefully.
- If you are giving this medicine to children, you need to be especially careful about it. Talk to your doctor about that too.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Sometimes we forget to take our medicine. If that happens, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, don't panic. But you should take immediate action. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Special points to be aware of when taking the medicine
You need to think about your safety when taking this medicine.
- See your doctor regularly: Go to the clinic on scheduled days to see how the medication is affecting you and whether your condition is under control.
- Medical ID: Carrying a medical ID bracelet or card that states that you have epilepsy and the medications you take can be very useful in an emergency.
- Drowsiness and alertness: This medication may make you feel a little drowsy, dizzy, or lose your balance . Therefore, do not do anything that requires a lot of alertness, such as driving, working at heights, or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medication affects you.
- Avoid alcohol: Taking this medication with alcohol can increase side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely while taking the medication.
- Mental health: This is very important. Be aware of your mental state while using this medication. If you have new suicidal thoughts, if you feel more depressed than before, or if your mood suddenly changes dramatically, tell your doctor or family member right away.
- Pregnancy: If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor right away. It is very important for your health and that of your baby.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Methsuximide can cause some side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Side effect | Characteristics |
| Severe allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, persistent cough, sore throat. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark yellow/brown urine, extreme fatigue. |
| Symptoms similar to lupus | Joint pain, swelling, butterfly-shaped facial lesions, lesions that worsen when exposed to the sun, fever. |
| Mental changes | Suicidal thoughts, increased depression, sudden mood swings. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
|---|---|
| Blurred vision | Dizziness and drowsiness |
| Headache | Loss of appetite and weight loss |
| Loss of coordination | Nausea |
Take-Home Message
- Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time, as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly for any reason without your doctor's advice. Doing so will increase the risk of a fit.
- If you notice any serious side effects, such as changes in mental health, a severe allergy, or signs of liver damage, tell your doctor immediately.
- Avoid driving and performing tasks that require alertness, as drowsiness and dizziness may occur while taking the medication.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
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