Pronunciation: fel-BAM-ate
Generic Name: Felbamate
Brand Name: Felbatol
Because severe, even fatal, blood disorders (aplastic anemia, pancytopenia) and liver problems have occurred with the use of Felbamate Suspension, it should be used only in people with severe epilepsy and only after careful consideration. Aplastic anemia may occur even after the drug has been stopped. Felbamate Suspension is not recommended for use in patients who have liver problems. Stop using Felbamate Suspension and immediately notify your doctor if you have symptoms of infection such as fever, chills, or persistent sore throat, or if you have unusual bleeding or bruising, weakness, fatigue, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or persistent stomach/abdominal pain. Your doctor will perform liver function tests before starting Felbamate Suspension and every 1 to 2 weeks while you are using Felbamate Suspension.
Felbamate Suspension is used for:
Treating certain types of seizures. It may be used alone or with other medicines.
Felbamate Suspension is an anticonvulsant. It works by controlling nerve impulses in the brain, which prevents or reduces some types of seizures.
Do NOT use Felbamate Suspension if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Felbamate Suspension or other carbamates
- you have a history of blood disorders, bone marrow depression, or liver problems
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Felbamate Suspension:
Some medical conditions may interact with Felbamate Suspension. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have kidney or liver problems
- if you have a history of mental or mood problems (eg, depression), or suicidal thoughts or actions
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Felbamate Suspension. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Gabapentin because the actions and side effects of Felbamate Suspension may be increased
- Carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or phenobarbital because the effectiveness of Felbamate Suspension may be decreased
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), phenobarbital, or valproic acid because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased
- Hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Felbamate Suspension
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Felbamate Suspension may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Felbamate Suspension:
Use Felbamate Suspension as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- After discussing this medication with your health care provider, you must read, initial, and sign a patient information/consent form before taking Felbamate Suspension. Do not sign the consent form if there is anything you do not understand.
- Felbamate Suspension may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.
- Shake well before using.
- Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.
- Do not suddenly stop taking Felbamate Suspension. You may have an increased risk of side effects (eg, seizures). If you need to stop taking Felbamate Suspension or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose.
- Continue to use Felbamate Suspension even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
- If you miss a dose of Felbamate Suspension, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Felbamate Suspension.
Important safety information:
- Felbamate Suspension may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or double vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Felbamate Suspension with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Patients who take Felbamate Suspension may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. The risk may be greater in patients who have had suicidal thoughts or actions in the past. Watch patients who take Felbamate Suspension closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual changes in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
- Hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills) may not work as well while you are using Felbamate Suspension. To prevent pregnancy, use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms).
- Lab tests, including liver function tests and complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Felbamate Suspension. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Felbamate Suspension with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
- Felbamate Suspension should be used with extreme caution in certain CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving Felbamate Suspension to your child.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Felbamate Suspension during pregnancy. Felbamate Suspension is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Felbamate Suspension, check with your doctor. You will need to discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Felbamate Suspension:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; fatigue; headache; indigestion; loss of appetite; mild stomach pain; nausea; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weight changes.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); agitation; chest pain; dark urine; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; loss of coordination; mouth sores; muscle pain; nervousness; new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, anxiety, depression, restlessness, irritability, panic attacks, behavior changes); new or worsening seizures; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe or persistent stomach pain; suicidal thoughts or actions; unusual bruising or bleeding; vision changes; weakness; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Felbamate side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include fast heartbeat; upset stomach.
Proper storage of Felbamate Suspension:
Store Felbamate Suspension at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Felbamate Suspension out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Felbamate Suspension, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Felbamate Suspension is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Felbamate Suspension. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Felbamate resources
- Felbamate Side Effects (in more detail)
- Felbamate Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Felbamate Drug Interactions
- Felbamate Support Group
- 4 Reviews for Felbamate - Add your own review/rating
Compare Felbamate with other medications
- Epilepsy
- Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
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