Zarontin (Ethosuximide) for Epilepsy

Overview
Zarontin is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to control absence (petit mal) seizures in epilepsy. Zarontin is frequently prescribed for children with childhood absence epilepsy. Zarontin is also referred to by its drug name, ethosuximide.

Zarontin is an anticonvulsant, or in other words, a drug used to prevent and control seizures. It is believed to work in cases of epilepsy by inhibiting nerve signals in the brain.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Zarontin is taken orally as a capsule once daily.

Do not stop taking Zarontin suddenly. If you decide to stop taking Zarontin, consult your physician for a plan to reduce your dosage gradually.

Zarontin should be taken exactly as prescribed by a physician.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Zarontin lists common side effects including allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, irritability, and fatigue. Some side effects may fade after a few days or weeks of taking Zarontin.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Zarontin include low blood cell counts, liver damage, kidney damage, and a potentially-fatal skin condition called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Call your doctor if you experience muscle or joint pain, a skin rash, or signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, and cough while taking Zarontin.

Rarely, some people experience neurological symptoms including depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior, and symptoms of psychosis such as paranoia while taking Zarontin. Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects.

Zarontin should not be prescribed to people with a history of hypersensitivity to succinimides. Zarontin must be used with great caution in people with a history of blood disorders, lupus, suicidal thoughts and behavior, and dysfunctions of the liver or kidneys.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Zarontin — RxList
https://www.rxlist.com/zarontin-drug/patient-im...

Ethosuximide — Epilepsy Foundation
https://www.epilepsy.com/medications/ethosuximide