Have you also been prescribed Rufinamide syrup for fit? (Rufinamide Suspension) Let's talk about this.

Has your doctor prescribed Rufinamide syrup for you or your child for a seizure disorder (epilepsy)? The brand name of this medicine may also be Banzel. Today, we will talk in a simple and friendly way about what this medicine is, how to use it, and what you should be especially careful about.

Simply put, what is Rufinamide?

This is a medicine that is given to prevent and control seizures or fits that occur in epilepsy. What this medicine does is to calm down the nerves in our body, especially in the brain, from becoming overactive. When the nerves are calmed in this way, the fit is controlled.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

Before prescribing this medicine to you, your doctor will ask you about some things. However, if you have any of the conditions below, you should definitely talk to your doctor about it.

• If you have liver disease .
• If you are undergoing dialysis due to kidney disease.
• If you have a heart condition called Short QT syndrome .
• If you or anyone in your family has a history of depression, suicidal thoughts , or attempts at suicide (don't be afraid to talk about this, it's very important for treatment).
• If you have had an allergic reaction to this Rufinamide medicine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
• If you are a nursing mother .

How exactly do I use this medicine?

To get the most out of your medication, it is very important to use it correctly.

• Take with food: Always take this medicine with a meal. Do not take on an empty stomach.
• Shake the bottle well: Always shake the bottle well before taking the medicine.
• Take the correct dose: You will receive a special dosing syringe with the medicine. Be sure to measure the medicine with it . Do not use teaspoons or tablespoons that you have at home. They will not give you an accurate measurement.
• Take it on time: Take your medicine at the same time every day, on time. Do not take more than your doctor tells you to.
• Don't stop suddenly: This is the most important thing. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly for any reason without your doctor's advice. Doing so may increase the likelihood of a fit.

What do you do if you miss a medication appointment?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

What if I take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't panic. The first thing to do is call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.

Things to be especially careful about when taking this medicine:

It is very important to pay attention to changes in your body while taking this medication.

Be aware of possible severe skin reactions.

This is very important. Sometimes, even weeks after starting this medication, a severe skin reaction called DRESS syndrome can occur. Look for these symptoms:

• A red or purple rash on the body, accompanied by symptoms such as fever, body aches, and chills .
• Later, the rash turns into blisters and the skin feels like it's peeling off .
• A red rash with swelling of the face, lips, and lymph nodes in the neck or armpits .

Take care of your mental health.

A small number of people taking this medicine may experience suicidal thoughts or an increase in depression. Although this is very rare, it is important to be aware of this. If you or someone you know who is taking this medicine notices any of these changes, please be aware.

• If you feel sad or lonely.
• If you have thoughts of disappointment and frustration about life.
• If you notice sudden changes in behavior or mood .

If you feel anything like this, please tell your doctor or a family member you trust immediately.

Other important points

• Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medication affects you.
• Birth control: This is especially important for women. If you are taking birth control pills that contain estrogen/progestin hormones, Rufinamide may make them less effective . Therefore, if you want to prevent pregnancy, be sure to talk to your doctor about using an additional form of birth control, such as a condom .
• Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of the medication and increase drowsiness.

Possible side effects and interactions caused by medication

Like any medicine, Rufinamide can cause side effects. It can also interact with other medicines.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

Tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies you are taking. Especially alcohol and the following medications may interact with Rufinamide.

• Alcohol
• Other medications given for fits (e.g. Carbamazepine, Divalproex, Lamotrigine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Primidone, Valproic acid)
• Birth control pills (estrogen or progestin hormones)
• Some muscle relaxants (e.g. Chlorzoxazone)
• Some sleeping pills (e.g. Triazolam)

Fit, Epilepsy, Seizure, Rufinamide, Banzel, Epilepsy, Medicine, Epilepsy, Seizure, Anticonvulsant