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HomeDrugsCelontin (methsuximide) Prices

methsuximide

Generic Celontin

Used for Epilepsy

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.

Reviewed by:

Aileen Chu, PharmD, BCPS

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on January 6, 2022

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Interactions Cost Alternatives Images Prices Medicare

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

Common BrandsCelontin

Drug ClassAntiepileptic

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

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Avg retail price

$289.09(save 2.12%)

GoodRx discount

$282.96

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What are the 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

Other 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)

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

Source: DailyMed

The following 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

chest pain

chills

cloudy urine

cough or hoarseness

diarrhea

discouragement

feeling sad or empty

fever

high fever

irritability

itching

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

sore throat

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

heartburn

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

sleeplessness

unable to sleep

weight loss

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.

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.

Frequently asked questions about Celontin (methsuximide)

How quickly does Celontin (methsuximide) work?

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).

Does Celontin (methsuximide) affect sleep?

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.

Can Celontin (methsuximide) cause liver damage?

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.

Can I just stop taking Celontin (methsuximide) if I don't want to take it anymore?

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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What are the 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 forms

The average cost for 60 capsules of 300mg of Celontin (methsuximide) is $282.96 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 2.12% off the average retail price of $289.09.

Capsule

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
300mg	60 capsules	$282.96	$4.72

Typical dosing 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

Celontin (methsuximide) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Celontin (methsuximide). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

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.