Cenobamate

Uses

Cenobamate is used alone or with other medications to treat certain types of partial onset seizures (seizures that involve only one part of the brain) in adults. Cenobamate is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Side Effects Of Cenobamate

Cenobamate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• tiredness
• nausea
• constipation
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• dry mouth
• heartburn
• stomach pain
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• back pain
• taste changes
• difficulty reading, writing or speaking
• confusion

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• double vision or blurred vision
• rash; hives; swelling of your face or legs; difficulty swallowing or breathing
• fever, sore throat, or swollen glands
• sores in the mouth or around eyes
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• fatigue or weakness; muscle pain; yellowing of skin or eyes; or dark urine
• shortness of breath
• irregular heartbeat or fainting

Cenobamate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Warnings & Precautions

Before taking cenobamate:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cenobamate, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in cenobamate tablets. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: medications for allergies, anxiety, cough and cold, mental illness, and pain; medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Equetro, Tegretol, Teril), clobazam (Sympazan), lamotrigine (Lamictal), phenobarbital, and phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); sedatives; sleeping pills, and tranquilizers. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with cenobamate, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
• you should know that cenobamate may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, or implants). Talk to your doctor about methods of birth control that will work for you while taking cenobamate.
• tell your doctor if you have familial short QT syndrome (an inherited condition that causes irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, or sudden death). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take cenobamate.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking cenobamate, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking cenobamate.
• you should know that cenobamate may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and problems with coordination and balance. Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or participate in activities requiring alertness or coordination until you know how this medication affects you.
• ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking cenobamate. Alcohol can make the side effects from cenobamate worse.
• you should know that your mental health may change in unexpected ways and you may become suicidal (thinking about harming or killing yourself or planning or trying to do so) while you are taking cenobamate. A small number of adults and children 5 years of age and older (about 1 in 500 people) who took anticonvulsants like cenobamate to treat various conditions during clinical studies became suicidal during their treatment. Some of these people developed suicidal thoughts and behavior as early as 1 week after they started taking the medication. There is a risk that you may experience changes in your mental health if you take an anticonvulsant medication such as cenobamate, but there may also be a risk that you will experience changes in your mental health if your condition is not treated. You and your doctor will decide whether the risks of taking an anticonvulsant medication are greater than the risks of not taking the medication. You, your family, or your caregiver should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: panic attacks; agitation or restlessness; new or worsening irritability, anxiety, or depression; acting on dangerous impulses; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; aggressive, angry, or violent behavior; mania (frenzied, abnormally excited mood); talking or thinking about wanting to hurt yourself or end your life; or any other unusual changes in behavior or mood. Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor if you are unable to seek treatment on your own.

Cenobamate Dosage

Cenobamate comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily with or without food. Take cenobamate at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cenobamate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the tablets whole with liquid; do not split, chew, or crush them.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of cenobamate and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every 2 weeks.

Cenobamate may be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or take it for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.

Cenobamate may help control your condition, but it does not cure it. Do not stop taking cenobamate without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking cenobamate, your seizures may become worse. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.

Other

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Cenobamate is a controlled substance. Prescriptions may be refilled only a limited number of times; ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Source

All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.