Felbamate Oral Tablet

Severe (sometimes fatal) blood disorders (aplastic anemia, pancytopenia) and liver problems have occurred with felbamate. Felbamate should be used only in people with severe seizures (epilepsy) that cannot be controlled with other medications. This drug should not be used if you have liver problems. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before starting felbamate.

Immediately tell your doctor if you have symptoms of infection (fever, chills, persistent sore throat), anemia (tiredness, pale skin/fingernails, fast heartbeat), liver problems (e.g., severe stomach/abdominal pain, unusual weakness/tiredness, pale stools, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin) or if you have unusual bleeding/bruising. Usually, people who have liver problems while taking this drug should not start taking it again.

Your doctor will perform certain blood tests (e.g., liver function, complete blood count) and may have you see a doctor who treats blood problems (hematologist) before you start felbamate and while you use this drug. Aplastic anemia may occur after you stop taking the drug. Therefore, blood tests may be needed for some time after you stop taking it. Keep all medical/laboratory appointments.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other anti-seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, valproate).This medication may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring. This could cause pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you should use additional reliable birth control methods while using this medication. Also tell your doctor if you have any new spotting or breakthrough bleeding, because these may be signs that your birth control is not working well.Also report the use of drugs which might increase seizure risk such as isoniazid (INH), phenothiazines (e.g., thioridazine), theophylline, or tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), among others. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone).Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.