Roweepra vs. Zarontin

Roweepra (levetiracetam) and Zarontin (ethosuximide) are antiseizure (antiepileptic) drugs are used to treat different types of seizures.

Roweepra indicated for adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial onset seizures in patients one month of age and older with epilepsy, myoclonic seizures in patients 12 years of age and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients 6 years of age and older with idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

Zarontin is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat absence seizures (also called "petit mal" seizures) in adults and children.

Side effects of Roweepra and Zarontin that are similar include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue/tiredness, and decreased appetite.

Side effects of Roweepra that are different from Zarontin include weakness, infection, aggression, stuffy nose, and irritability.

Side effects of Zarontin that are different from Roweepra include headache, stomach upset, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea, swelling in your tongue or gums, unusual vaginal bleeding, and loss of balance or coordination.

Roweepra may also interact with other drugs.

Zarontin may also interact with other seizure medications, especially phenobarbital or phenytoin.

Antiepileptic drugs, including Roweepra, should be withdrawn gradually to minimize the potential of increased seizure frequency.

Common side effects of Roweepra include:

• drowsiness,
• weakness,
• infection, and
• dizziness.

Common side effects of Roweepra in children include:

• fatigue,
• aggression,
• stuffy nose,
• decreased appetite, and
• irritability.

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including Roweepra, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Tell your doctor if this occurs.

Common side effects of Zarontin include:

• drowsiness,
• dizziness,
• tiredness,
• headache,
• stomach upset,
• stomach cramps,
• loss of appetite,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• weight loss,
• diarrhea,
• swelling in your tongue or gums,
• unusual vaginal bleeding, or
• loss of balance or coordination.

A small number of people who take anticonvulsants such as Zarontin may experience depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood problems. Tell your doctor immediately if you have unusual or sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior including signs of depression, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or thoughts about harming yourself.

Roweepra (levetiracetam) is an antiseizure (antiepileptic) drug indicated for adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial onset seizures in patients one month of age and older with epilepsy, myoclonic seizures in patients 12 years of age and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients 6 years of age and older with idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Roweepra is available in generic form.

Zarontin (ethosuximide) is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant, used alone or in combination with other medications to treat absence seizures (also called "petit mal" seizures) in adults and children. Zarontin is available in generic form.

Roweepra may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Zarontin may interact with other seizure medications, especially phenobarbital or phenytoin. Other drugs may interact with Zarontin. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use. During pregnancy, Zarontin should be used only when prescribed. This medication passes into breast milk, but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

The Roweepra dosing regimen depends on the indication, age group, dosage form (tablets or oral solution), and renal function.

The initial dose of Zarontin for patients 3 to 6 years of age is one capsule (250 mg) per day; for patients 6 years of age and older, 2 capsules (500 mg) per day. The dose thereafter is individualized according to patient response.