Key takeaways
Cenobamate (Xcopri) and fosphenytoin (Cerebyx) are both antiepileptic medications used to treat seizures, but they differ in several ways. Cenobamate is specifically approved for treating partial-onset seizures in adults and is taken orally once a day. In contrast, fosphenytoin is an injectable medication used to treat and prevent seizures in both children and adults, including during neurosurgery and for tonic-clonic status epilepticus. Cenobamate is a Schedule V controlled substance, meaning it has some potential for misuse, while fosphenytoin is not a controlled medication. Cenobamate can cause side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and fatigue, and it may interact with birth control pills. Fosphenytoin can cause side effects such as itching, dizziness, and muscle control problems. It also carries a risk of serious heart problems and allergic reactions. Cenobamate is only available as a brand-name medication, whereas fosphenytoin also comes in a generic form.
