Author: JJA
COMMON USES:
Most often used to help control seizures, especially the type found in Lennox-Gestaut Syndrome.
HOW IT'S SUPPLIED:
400 and 600 milligram tablets
600 milligram/5 milliliter suspension
HOW IT WORKS:
The exact way that it works is not known. However, it may stop certain brain proteins (called NMDA receptors) from being too active and causing seizures.
THINGS TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR DOCTOR:
* May cause difficulty sleeping, tiredness, nausea or dizziness.
* May cause severe anemia (low blood hemoglobin levels)
* May cause liver failure, so use with extreme caution if your child has liver disease.
* May cause gum overgrowth in the mouth, and severe anemia.
* Increases blood levels of medicines like phenyton (Dilantin?) and valproic acid (Depakote?, Depakene?).
* Blood tests should be done regularly to follow seizure medicine, liver enzymes and blood cell levels.
|
