Generic Name: Acetazolamide (a-CEET-a-ZOL-a-myde)

Used to Treat: epilepsy

Seizure Type: All seizure types

Forms of the medicine:
Pill

Dosing:
250 mg. - 1000 mg daily

General Info:

What is Diamox?
Diamox (DI-a-mox) is a brand name of generic drug acetazolamide. It can be used to treat various types of seizure activity including generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal seizures), absence (petit mal) seizures, and catamenial (menstrual) seizures. It is also used as an add-on therapy for partial seizures. It is also used to treat other diseases such as glaucoma and high altitude sickness. Diamox comes in the form of tablets and capsules. Diamox Sequels are the extended release capsule forms of this medication.

How to take Diamox
Take this medication exactly as it is prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or longer than recommended by your doctor. Do not change your dosage without your doctor's advice. Tell your doctor if the medication does not seem to work in treating your condition.

If you are taking Diamox Sequels extended release capsules do not crush, chew, break, or open the capsule as it is specially made to release medicine slowly throughout the body. Breaking or opening the tablet will cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Diamox tablets and capsules should be swallowed whole and may or may not be taken with food depending on your propensity for upset stomach. Each dose should be taken with a full 8 oz. glass of water.

What if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take an extra dose, unless prescribed by your doctor.

What if I experience side effects?
Various side effects may occur in taking this medicine. Most side effects are not serious and may disappear naturally. Call your doctor if you have any questions concerning your possible side effects. However, do not stop taking your medication without advice from your doctor. They will discuss and recommend possible options for you. At times it is necessary to continue taking your medication despite these side effects.
There are other side effects that may be serious and indicate that your body is not tolerating the drug properly. Call a doctor right away if these side effects become severe or cause considerable problems in your daily functions. If you experience a change in seizures, severe rash, or allergic reaction contact your doctor immediately. If you experience persistent upset stomach, vomiting, or loss of appetite contact your doctor immediately.

Contact your physician immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

• Allergic reaction (rash, difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives)
• Sore throat or a fever
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Side or groin pain
• Numbness, tingling or tremors in your hands or feet
• Increased thirst and urination
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Confusion
• Blood in urine, painful urination
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Seizures

Storage
Keep this medication in its original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store your prescription at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (i.e. not the bathroom). Protect the extended-release tablet from light. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Recommendation for women
Diamox has a FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether this medication will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Daimox without first consulting your doctor if you are pregnant. Diamox passes into breast milk and it is not known whether the medication will affect a nursing infant. Do not take Diamox without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Other helpful information
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Diamox may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Diamox may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when under sun exposure for prolonged periods of time. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a sulfa-based drug such as sulfamethoxazole (e.g., Bactrim, Septra, Gantanol). Diamox is also a sulfa-based drug, and you may have a similar reaction to it. Notify your doctor if you are currently on aspirin therapy or have liver, kidney, heart, lung, or hormonal disease. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking cyclosporine (Sandimmune), primidone (Mysoline), diflunisal (Dolobid), salsalate (e.g. Disalcid, Salflex, Salsitab, etc.), choline salicylate (Arthropan), magnesium salicylate (Doan's, Magan, Mobidin), aspirin-like products (salicylates), and lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others). Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with acetazolamide. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Side Effects