About felbamate
Antiseizure medicine
Used for
- Treats certain difficult-to-control seizures in adults and children with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome.
- May be used alone or with other seizure medicines for partial seizures.
Usual adult dose
Usually started at 1,200 mg daily in divided doses; increased gradually, often to 2,400–3,600 mg daily.
Usual dose in children
For Lennox–Gastaut syndrome, typically started at 15 mg/kg daily in divided doses; increased gradually, up to 45 mg/kg daily or 3,600 mg, whichever is lower.
Common side effects
- Reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
- Insomnia, dizziness, headache, or unsteadiness
- Weight loss
- Double vision or blurred vision
Important warnings
- Rarely causes life-threatening aplastic anemia or liver failure.
- Blood counts and liver tests are needed before and during treatment.
- Use is generally reserved for severe seizures when other treatments are inadequate.
- Do not stop suddenly; seizures may worsen.
Pregnancy
May cause fetal harm; pregnancy and seizure-treatment risks require careful specialist review.
Breastfeeding
Information is limited; felbamate may enter breast milk. Monitor for infant sleepiness, poor feeding, or inadequate weight gain.
Interactions
- Can increase levels of phenytoin and valproate.
- Can lower levels of carbamazepine and its active metabolite.
- Carbamazepine and phenytoin can lower felbamate levels.
- May reduce hormonal contraceptive effectiveness; discuss backup contraception.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.