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Few experiences match the drama of a convulsive seizure. A person having a severe seizure may cry out, fall to the floor unconscious, twitch or move uncontrollably, drool, or even lose bladder control. Within minutes, the attack is over, and the person regains consciousness but is exhausted and dazed. This is the image most people have when they hear the word epilepsy. However, this type of seizure -- a generalized tonic-clonic seizure -- is only one kind of epilepsy. There are many other kinds, each with a different set of symptoms.
Epilepsy was one of the first brain disorders to be described. It was mentioned in ancient Babylon more than 3,000 years ago. The strange behavior caused by some seizures has contributed through the ages to many superstitions and prejudices. The word epilepsy is derived from the Greek word for "attack." People once thought that those with epilepsy were being visited by demons or gods. However, in 400 B.C., the early...
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This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: cisapride, methenamine.
If you are currently using either of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting acetazolamide.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially: anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin, primidone, phenobarbital, topiramate, zonisamide), other diuretics similar to this medication (carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as brinzolamide, dorzolamide), cyclosporine, digoxin, drugs for diabetes (e.g., glyburide, insulin), drugs that cause loss of potassium (e.g., diuretics such as furosemide, corticosteroids such as prednisone, amphotericin B), lithium, memantine, procainamide, quinidine, salicylates (e.g., aspirin, bismuth subsalicylate), sodium bicarbonate, stimulants (e.g., amphetamines, ephedrine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline).
Check all prescription and nonprescription labels carefully since they may contain medications (e.g., anti-diarrhea drugs, pain relievers/fever reducers) similar to aspirin, which can cause serious side effects when taken with acetazolamide. Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day), should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctor know you use this drug.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
NOTES: Do not change brands or dosage forms of this medication without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Not all forms of this medication work the same way.
Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood count, minerals such as potassium and sodium, liver function tests) may be performed from time to time to monitor your progress and check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised September 2010 Copyright(c) 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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