methsuximide
Celontin (methsuximide) can help control absence seizures (also known as petit mal seizures) when other medications aren't working well enough. It tends to cause a lot of side effects like upset stomach, dizziness, and drowsiness.
What is Celontin (methsuximide)?
What is Celontin (methsuximide) used for?
- Absence (petite mal) seizures, when other medications aren't working well enough
How Celontin (methsuximide) works
Celontin (methsuximide) is an antiepiletic (anti-seizure) medication. It calms certain nerves and brain activity that are linked to seizures in people who have absence (petit mal) epilepsy (a condition with recurring seizures).
Drug facts
Side effects of Celontin (methsuximide)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Poor appetite
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty with walking, movement, or coordination
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Blurred vision
Less Common Side Effects
- Irritability or nervousness
- Light sensitivity
- Hiccups
- Difficulty sleeping
- Confusion
- Unstable mood
- Difficulty thinking quickly
- Depression
- Hives or rash
- Swelling or puffiness around the eye(s)
Celontin (methsuximide) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Low blood cell counts: getting sick more often, feeling weak or short of breath more than usual
The following Celontin (methsuximide) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Attempts at killing oneself
feeling that others are watching you or controlling your behavior
feeling that others can hear your thoughts
feeling, seeing, or hearing things that are not there
severe mood or mental changes
unusual behavior
Incidence not known
Attack, assault, or force
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
blood in the urine
bloody, black, or tarry stools
chills
cloudy urine
cough or hoarseness
discouragement
feeling sad or empty
high fever
irritability
joint or muscle pain
lack of appetite
loss of interest or pleasure
lower back or side pain
mood or mental changes
nervousness
painful or difficult urination
pale skin
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
red, irritated eyes
shakiness and unsteady walk
shortness of breath
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
swelling around the eyes
swollen glands
tiredness
trouble with concentrating
trouble with sleeping
unexplained bleeding or bruising
unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
vision changes
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Change in consciousness
difficult or troubled breathing
irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
loss of consciousness
pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
Blurred vision
change in color vision
difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
difficulty seeing at night
dizziness
drowsiness
hiccups
hives or welts
increased sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight
loss of appetite
nausea or vomiting
pain or discomfort in the chest, upper stomach, or throat
redness of the skin
skin rash
unable to sleep
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Celontin (methsuximide)
Pros
- Can help control absence seizures if other medications aren't working well enough
Cons
- Only treats absence seizures, not other types of seizures
- Only available as a capsule, so it might not be a good option if you have trouble swallowing pills
- Brand name only; not available as a lower-cost generic
Pharmacist tips for Celontin (methsuximide)
- Remember to follow-up with your provider and get labwork as instructed. This is especially important when you're first starting Celontin (methsuximide) because your provider is figuring out the right dose for your condition and checking for serious side effects.
- Celontin (methsuximide) can cause stomach upset, so taking it with food or after a meal might help lessen that.
- Celontin (methsuximide) can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or difficulty with movement and coordination. Don't drink alcohol and, if possible, avoid other medications that can make you sleepy or dizzy. Be careful driving or doing anything requiring concentration until you know how Celontin (methsuximide) affects you. Let your provider know if these side effects don't go away or are too bothersome.
- If your dose of antiepileptic (anti-seizure) medications needs to be changed, it must be done slowly over time. Raising the dose too quickly can cause more side effects, and lowering the dose too quickly can lead to seizures due to medication withdrawal.
- Don't stop taking Celontin (methsuximide) without talking to your provider first. Stopping the medication suddenly can cause seizures due to withdrawal.
- Let your provider and pharmacist know if you're taking phenytoin (Dilantin) or phenobarbital (two other common antiepileptics). Celontin (methsuximide) can raise the levels of these medications in the body, which can cause more side effects.
Common questions about Celontin (methsuximide)
It can take several weeks to see the full effect of Celontin (methsuximide). The medication needs time to build up in the body and you'll be starting with a lower dose in the beginning (your provider will raise the dose slowly over time, usually at least every week, until they find the right dose for you).
Yes, Celontin (methsuximide) can affect sleep. Drowsiness is a common side effect of this medication. Celontin (methsuximide) can also cause difficulty sleeping (insomnia). Let your provider know if these side effects are too bothersome for you. It's especially important to get enough rest and have a good sleeping schedule if you have a seizure condition, as impaired sleep can also worsen seizures. Learn more about ways to improve your sleep here.
Yes, Celontin (methsuximide) can damage the liver, which is why you might need to get regular bloodwork to check the health of your liver. Liver damage is a side effect of some other antiepileptic (anti-seizure) medications as well. If you have a history of liver disease, make sure to let your provider know before starting Celontin (methsuximide) or any other antiepileptic.
Don't stop taking Celontin (methsuximide) without talking to your provider first. Stopping it all of a sudden can cause seizures because your body will go through withdrawal from the medication. Your provider will help you lower your dose slowly and safely.
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Risks and warnings for Celontin (methsuximide)
Celontin (methsuximide) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Low blood cell counts
Celontin (methsuximide) can cause abnormally low blood cell counts. This side effect is uncommon, but in some rare cases, it can be life-threatening. Low white blood cell counts can affect your immune system and make you more likely to get infections. Your provider will order blood tests regularly while you're taking Celontin (methsuximide) to make sure this doesn't become a serious problem. Talk to your provider right away if you're getting sick (e.g., sore throat, fever) more often than usual.
Liver and kidney damage
- Risk factors: History of liver or kidney problems
Celontin (methsuximide) can cause liver or kidney damage. Your provider will check your liver and kidney labs on a regular basis to make sure they're healthy. If you already have liver or kidney problems, make sure your provider is aware of this before you start taking Celontin (methsuximide).
Lupus
In some rare cases, Celontin (methsuximide) can cause lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE). This is a condition where the body's immune system attacks itself. Symptoms can include tiredness, fevers, muscle and joint pains, and facial skin rashes. Talk to your provider if this worries you.
Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Antiepileptic (anti-seizure) medications like Celontin (methsuximide)) can raise your risk of suicide or thoughts of suicide. Watch for any new or worsening depression and any unusual changes in mood or behavior, especially during the first few months of taking this medication or if your dose changes. Report anything concerning to your provider. If you have thoughts of hurting yourself, call 911 or get medical attention right away.
Seizures due to stopping Celontin (methsuximide) suddenly
Don't stop taking Celontin (methsuximide) without talking to your provider first. Stopping the medication too suddenly can lead to seizures due to medication withdrawal.
Treats only absence seizures
Celontin (methsuximide) only works for absence seizures. It can actually worsen other types of seizures if taken on its own. If you have mixed seizure types, you'll need to take multiple antieplieptic medications that work for your condition. Ask your provider about which seizure medications are right for you.
Celontin (methsuximide) dosage
Capsule| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300mg | 90 capsules | $104.49 | $1.16 |
Typical dosage for Celontin (methsuximide)
The typical starting dose is 300 mg by mouth daily. If necessary, your provider will raise your dose slowly about every week until they find the right dose for you. The maximum dose is 1.2 grams (1,200 mg) total per day.
Interactions between Celontin (methsuximide) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Calcifediol
- Orlistat
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
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