Felbatol (Felbamate) for Epilepsy

Overview
Felbatol is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of severe epilepsy in adults when other drugs cannot effectively control seizures. Since Felbatol can cause serious side effects, it is not prescribed unless your physician believes that the drug’s potential benefits outweigh its risks. Felbatol is also known by its drug name, felbamate.

Felbatol is an anticonvulsant, or drug that is used to control seizures. Felbatol is a member of the carbamate class of drugs. It is believed that Felbatol works in cases of epilepsy by inhibiting nerve signals.

How do I take it?
Felbatol is taken orally as a tablet or liquid three or four times a day.

Avoid driving or operating machinery until you are certain you understand how Felbatol affects you. Drinking alcohol while taking Felbatol can intensify some side effects.

Do not stop taking Felbatol suddenly. If you decide to stop taking Felbatol, consult your physician for a plan to taper off gradually.

Before starting you on Felbatol, your physician will order blood tests to establish your liver function. While you are taking Felbatol, you will receive blood tests every week or two weeks to ensure that your liver is not being damaged by the medication. You may also continue to receive testing after you stop taking Felbatol.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking Felbatol.

Side effects
Felbatol has caused severe, even fatal side effects including blood disorders and liver failure. Some of these side effects have occurred even after people had stopped taking Felbatol.

Older adults may experience some side effects of Felbatol more intensely than other people.

Common side effects of Felbatol include loss of appetite, vomiting, insomnia, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and headache.

Call your doctor if you experience mood swings, changes in behavior, suicidal thoughts, chest pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or symptoms of infection while taking Felbatol.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Felbatol — RxList
https://www.rxlist.com/felbatol-drug.htm

Felbamate — Epilepsy Foundation
https://www.epilepsy.com/medications/felbamate