Brand Names: Felbatol

Generic Name: felbamate (Pronunciation: fel BAM ate)

• What is felbamate (Felbatol)?
• What are the possible side effects of felbamate (Felbatol)?
• What is the most important information I should know about felbamate (Felbatol)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking felbamate (Felbatol)?
• How should I take felbamate (Felbatol)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Felbatol)?
• What happens if I overdose (Felbatol)?
• What should I avoid while taking felbamate (Felbatol)?
• What other drugs will affect felbamate (Felbatol)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is felbamate (Felbatol)?

Felbamate is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant.

Felbamate is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat seizures in adults with epilepsy. Felbamate is also used to treat children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of childhood epilepsy that also causes developmental and behavior problems.

Felbamate is usually given after other seizure medications have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Felbamate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Felbatol 400 mg

oblong, yellow, imprinted with WALLACE, 04 30

Felbatol 600 mg

oblong, peach, imprinted with WALLACE, 04 31

What are the possible side effects of felbamate (Felbatol)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; fever; swollen glands; painful sores in or around your eyes or mouth; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• pale skin, weakness, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• fast or pounding heartbeats, feeling short of breath;
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• loss of balance or coordination; or
• worsening of seizures.

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, tired feeling;
• headache;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• changes in weight or appetite;
• acne, mild itching or skin rash;
• diarrhea, constipation, vomiting;
• runny or stuffy nose;
• blurred vision; or
• changes in your sense of taste.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about felbamate (Felbatol)?

Felbamate can cause a decrease in many types of blood cells (white cells, red cells, platelets). Call your doctor at once if you have any unusual bleeding, weakness, or any signs of infection, even if these symptoms first occur after you have been using the medication for several months.

Felbamate may also cause liver damage. Call your doctor if you have symptoms such as loss of appetite, stomach pain, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Do not stop taking felbamate without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking felbamate suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking felbamate.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking felbamate, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.