Felbamate is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat epilepsy (also known as fits or seizures) in adults and children.
This medicine may also be used to treat epilepsy that is associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a rare and severe type of fits or seizures in children).
Take Felbamate exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Felbamate is available as a tablet and oral suspension.
If you are taking the oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your prescribed dose.
Felbamate must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Felbamate if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or to any other similar medicines such as carbamates.
Alert your doctor if you have history of blood disorders or liver disease, as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function, complete blood count) may be done before, during, and after treatment with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of therapeutic effectiveness and response, and signs of depression, behavioural changes, and suicidal thoughts may also be needed.
Felbamate may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, drowsiness, visual disturbances, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, constipation, hiccups, altered taste, stomach pain, diarrhoea, dry mouth, muscle pain, difficulty sleeping, and rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- unusual changes in mood and behaviour (e.g. being depressed, agitated, aggressive)
- suicidal thoughts or behaviours
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells and white blood cells.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizure) e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, gabapentin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture, sunlight and from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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