Ethosuximide for epilepsy


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Examples


Brand Name Chemical Name
Zarontinethosuximide

Ethosuximide requires 2 to 3 oral doses per day.


How It Works


Ethosuximide reduces the type of brain activity associated with absence seizures.


Why It Is Used


Ethosuximide is one of the drugs of choice for children who have absence seizures. Valproic acid is the other drug of choice.

Unlike valproic acid, ethosuximide does not prevent any types of seizures other than absence seizures. Ethosuximide is sometimes used with other drugs to treat adults who have several types of generalized seizures when valproic acid does not work.


How Well It Works


Ethosuximide is effective in preventing absence seizures in children and in treating these seizures in adults.1, 2


Side Effects


Ethosuximide may cause severe stomach problems, including:

  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Stomach cramps.
  • Loss of appetite.

It may also cause headache, mild drowsiness, dizziness, and hiccups.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)


What To Think About


Ethosuximide is an effective drug with a fairly limited use. For people with absence seizures only, it can be a very good choice. It controls these seizures as well as valproic acid and causes fewer side effects. Most people can tolerate ethosuximide quite well in the short run.

Long-term use of the drug is not common because it is not very effective for treating certain types of epilepsy common in adults.

It may take time and careful, controlled adjustments by you and your doctor to find the combination, schedule, and dosing of medication to best manage your epilepsy. The goal is to prevent seizures while causing as few unwanted side effects as possible. Once the most effective medication program is determined, it is important that you follow it exactly as prescribed.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.


References


Citations

  1. Camfield P, Camfield C (2003). Childhood epilepsy: What is the evidence for what we think and what we do? Journal of Child Neurology, 18(4): 272–287.

  2. Blume WT (2003). Diagnosis and management of epilepsy. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 168(4): 441–448.


Credits


Author Monica Rhodes
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Michael J. Sexton, MD

- Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Steven C. Schachter, MD

- Neurology
Last Updated November 11, 2005

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Last updated: November 11, 2005
Author: Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By: Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Steven C. Schachter, MD - Neurology
Editors: Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.

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