Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
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kidney disease or
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liver disease.
You may not be able to take methsuximide, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have either of the conditions listed above.
Methsuximide may cause serious blood problems. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms, which may be early signs of potential blood problems: fever, sore throat, rash, sores in the mouth, easy bruising, or red or purple bruising.
It is not known whether methsuximide will harm an unborn baby. Do not take methsuximide without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether methsuximide passes into breast milk. Do not take methsuximide without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Take methsuximide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose of methsuximide with a full glass of water.
Take methsuximide with food to lessen stomach upset.
Do not change the brand name, generic formulation, or dosage of methsuximide that you are taking without first talking to your doctor.
Do not stop taking methsuximide even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking methsuximide to prevent seizures from recurring.
It is important to take methsuximide regularly to get the most benefit.
Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with methsuximide to monitor progress and side effects.
Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
Do not take any capsule that is discolored.
Store methsuximide at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not expose the medication to excessive temperatures (such as a hot car, etc.). Excessive temperatures may cause the medication to lose its potency.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose,
skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking methsuximide and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
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hallucinations or agitation;
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slurred speech or staggering walk;
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a rash;
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changes in vision;
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easy bruising or bleeding; or
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swollen or tender gums.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take methsuximide and talk to your doctor if you experience
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nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, or diarrhea;
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mild dizziness or drowsiness;
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tender or swollen glands;
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hiccups;
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irritability and nervousness;
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headache;
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abdominal pain;
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muscle twitches;
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increased facial hair;
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swelling of the breasts; or
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insomnia.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Methsuximide may cause serious blood problems. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms, which may be early signs of potential blood problems: fever, sore throat, rash, sores in the mouth, easy bruising, or red or purple bruising.
Do not stop taking methsuximide even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking methsuximide to prevent seizures from recurring.
Do not change the brand, generic formulation, or dosage of this medication without first talking to your doctor.
Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Methsuximide may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can cause deep sedation or sleepiness when taken with methsuximide.
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can cause deep sedation or sleepiness when taken with methsuximide.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Methsuximide may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Methsuximide may affect the blood levels of other seizure medicines (including phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal), and others). Talk to your doctor if you are also taking other seizure medications. Special monitoring may be necessary.
Methsuximide may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including other seizure medications, pain relievers, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), antidepressants, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with methsuximide. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
Seek emergency medical treatment if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a methsuximide overdose include confusion, slurred speech, stumbling or staggering walk, imbalance, drowsiness, unconsciousness, nausea, vomiting, tremor, low blood pressure, and slow breathing.