Lacosamide

Lacosamide is used for:

Treating partial-onset seizures in certain patients with epilepsy. It is used in combination with other medicines.

Lacosamide is an anticonvulsant. Exactly how it works is not known, but it may work by slowing abnormal nerve impulses in the brain.

Use Lacosamide as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Lacosamide comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Lacosamide refilled.

* Take Lacosamide by mouth with or without food.

* Taking Lacosamide at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.

* Continue to take Lacosamide even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

* Do not suddenly stop taking Lacosamide. You may have an increased risk of side effects (eg, seizures). If you need to stop Lacosamide or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose.

* If you miss a dose of Lacosamide, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Lacosamide.

* Lacosamide may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Lacosamide with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

* Lab tests, including electrocardiogram (ECG) or liver or kidney function, may be performed while you use Lacosamide. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

* Use Lacosamide with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.

* Lacosamide should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 17 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

* PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Lacosamide while you are pregnant. It is not known if Lacosamide is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Lacosamide.

Store Lacosamide at 68 to 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Lacosamide out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Gabitril

Gabitril is used for:

Controlling partial seizures. It is used in combination with other medicines.

Gabitril is an antiepilepsy agent. The exact way Gabitril works is unknown. It is believed that Gabitril prevents or reduces the number of seizures by controlling nerve impulses in the brain.

Use Gabitril as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Take Gabitril by mouth with food.

* If you miss a dose of Gabitril , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Gabitril .

* Gabitril may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Gabitril with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

* Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Gabitril ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.

* If Gabitril is stopped or if a different medicine is added to your treatment, this should be done gradually. The risk of seizures may be increased if Gabitril is suddenly stopped.

* Carry an ID card at all times that lists your condition and the medicines you are taking.

* Gabitril should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 12 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

* PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Gabitril may cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Gabitril while you are pregnant. It is not known if Gabitril is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Gabitril , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Store Gabitril at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Gabitril out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Gabapentin

Gabapentin is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in the cause of seizures and some types of pain.
Gabapentin is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat seizures caused by epilepsy in adults and children who are at least 12 years old. Gabapentin is also used with other medications to treat partial seizures in children who are 3 to 12 years old.
Gabapentin is also used to treat nerve pain caused by herpes virus or shingles (herpes zoster).
Gabapentin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to gabapentin.
Before taking gabapentin, tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver, or heart disease.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking gabapentin. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Do not stop taking gabapentin for seizures without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking this medicine suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking gabapentin.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking gabapentin, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.
Take gabapentin exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Gabapentin can be taken with or without food.
If you break a tablet and take one half of it, take the other half at your next dose. Any tablet that has been broken should be used as soon as possible or within a few days.
If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Gabapentin can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine. Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Gabapentin can cause side effects that may impair your vision or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours before or after you take gabapentin. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb gabapentin.