Generic Name: felbamate (FEL-ba-mate)

Used to Treat: epilepsy

Seizure Type: Partial seizures (all types)

Forms of the medicine:
Pill

Dosing:
1200 mg. - 3600 mg. daily

General Info:
What is Felbatol?
Felbatol (FEL-ba-tol) is an anticonvulsant. Its generic formulation is known as felbamate. Felbatol is used for partial seizures—that is, seizures that begin in a part of the brain. It comes in both tablet and liquid (syrup) form.

How do I take Felbatol?
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.

Felbatol is usually started at 1200 mg/day in 3 to 4 divided doses for adults and children over the age of 14. In children, the starting dose is 15 mg/day in 3 to 4 divided doses. Adults generally take about 3600 mg/day and children up to about 45 mg/kg/day. Felbatol slows down the rate of elimination of some of the other antiepileptic drugs (like Dilantin, Tegretol, Phenobarbital), in which case the dose of these drugs may need to be lowered as the Felbatol is started. It is well absorbed when taken by mouth. Food usually does not affect the absorption of the tablet.

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?
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.

Severe, even fatal, blood disorders (i.e. aplastic anemia [inability of the bone marrow to produce red cells], pancytopenia [inability of the bone marrow to produce all the different types of blood cells]) and liver problems have occurred with the use of Felbatol. This medication should be used only in people with severe epilepsy and only after careful consideration. Aplastic anemia may occur even after the drug has been stopped. Felbatol is not recommended for use in patients who have liver problems. Your doctor will perform liver function tests and blood cell counts known as CBC before starting Felbatol and every 1 to 2 weeks while you are using Felbatol.

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

• Allergic reaction (hives, rash, difficulty breathing / swallowing)
• Rapid / pounding heartbeat
• Infection symptoms (fever, chills, or persistent sore throat)
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Weakness, fatigue
• Dark urine
• Jaundice (yellowing of eyes / skin)
• Persistent stomach / abdominal pain

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). 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
Women who are taking this medication and who wish to become pregnant should discuss treatment options with their physicians before their pregnancy. Felbatol passes into breast milk and it is not known whether the medication will affect a nursing infant. Do not take Felbatol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Other helpful information
Felbatol may cause an increase in levels of Phenytoin, valproate, Phenobarbital; causes a decrease in levels of carbamazepine, but increases the levels of a compound it gets converted to. Felbatol may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Prior to starting Felbatol your physician may have you obtain blood studies for liver functions and a complete blood count. There will be a need for ongoing monitoring of these values during your treatment with Felbatol at a frequency determined by your physician. You should report any unusual symptoms, development of jaundice or excessive tiredness. Those with known liver disease, abnormalities of liver enzymes, unexplained anemia, or other hematological problems may be people who may not be good candidates for the drug.

Side Effects