In this Article

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ethosuximide (Zarontin)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ethosuximide or to other seizure medications.

To make sure you can safely take ethosuximide, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• lupus;
• liver disease;
• kidney disease; or
• a history of depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or actions.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

It is not known whether ethosuximide is harmful to an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Follow your doctor's instructions about taking ethosuximide while you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of ethosuximide on the baby.

Ethosuximide passes into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Ethosuximide should not be given to a child younger than 3 years old.

How should I take ethosuximide (Zarontin)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Ethosuximide can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Your blood may need to be tested often. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.

Call your doctor at once if you have any unusual bleeding, weakness, or any signs of infection, including flu-like symptoms. These symptoms may first develop even after you have been using the medication for several months.

Do not stop using ethosuximide without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have increased seizures if you stop using ethosuximide suddenly. You may 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 ethosuximide.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take ethosuximide. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you take seizure medication.

Use ethosuximide regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.