Ethosuximide Side Effects

Brand Names: Zarontin

Please note - some side effects for Ethosuximide may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

Side Effects of Ethosuximide - for the Consumer

Ethosuximide

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Ethosuximide:

Diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach pain; stomach upset; vomiting; weight loss.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Ethosuximide:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); increased number of seizures; lupus symptoms (eg, butterfly-shaped rash on the face, joint pain or swelling); new or worsening mood or mental changes (eg, depression); nightmares; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; signs of infection (eg, fever, sore throat); suicidal thoughts or attempts; trouble concentrating; trouble sleeping; unusual bruising, bleeding, or fatigue.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

Ethosuximide Solution

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Ethosuximide Solution:

Diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach pain; stomach upset; vomiting; weight loss.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Ethosuximide Solution:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); increased number of seizures; lupus symptoms (eg, butterfly-shaped rash on the face, joint pain or swelling); new or worsening mood or mental changes (eg, depression); nightmares; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; signs of infection (eg, fever, sore throat); suicidal thoughts or attempts; trouble concentrating; trouble sleeping; unusual bruising, bleeding, or fatigue.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

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Ethosuximide Side Effects - for the Professional

Ethosuximide

Body As A Whole Allergic reaction.

Gastrointestinal System: Gastrointestinal symptoms occur frequently and include anorexia, vague gastric upset, nausea and vomiting, cramps, epigastric and abdominal pain, weight loss, and diarrhea. There have been reports of gum hypertrophy and swelling of the tongue.

Hemopoietic System: Hemopoietic complications associated with the administration of Ethosuximide have included leukopenia, agranulocytosis, pancytopenia, with or without bone marrow suppression, and eosinophilia.

Nervous System: Neurologic and sensory reactions reported during therapy with Ethosuximide have included drowsiness, headache, dizziness, euphoria, hiccups, irritability, hyperactivity, lethargy, fatigue, and ataxia. Psychiatric or psychological aberrations associated with Ethosuximide administration have included disturbances of sleep, night terrors, inability to concentrate, and aggressiveness. These effects may be noted particularly in patients who have previously exhibited psychological abnormalities. There have been rare reports of paranoid psychosis, increased libido, and increased state of depression with overt suicidal intentions.

Integumentary System: Dermatologic manifestations which have occurred with the administration of Ethosuximide have included urticaria, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, pruritic erythematous rashes, and hirsutism.

Special Senses: Myopia.

Genitourinary System: Vaginal bleeding, microscopic hematuria.

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Side Effects by Body System - for Healthcare Professionals

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have frequently included anorexia, vague gastric upset, nausea, vomiting, cramps, epigastric and abdominal pain, weight loss, and diarrhea. Gum hypertrophy and swelling of the tongue have also been reported.

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects have included leukopenia, agranulocytosis, pancytopenia (with or without bone marrow suppression), and eosinophilia.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included drowsiness, headache, dizziness, euphoria, hiccups, irritability, hyperactivity, lethargy, fatigue, and ataxia.

Psychiatric

The manufacturer reports psychiatric side effects associated with ethosuximide therapy may be more frequent in patients who have previously exhibited psychosocial abnormalities.

Psychiatric side effects have included sleep disturbances, night terrors, inability to concentrate, and aggressiveness. Paranoid psychosis, increased libido, and increased state of depression with overt suicidal intentions have been reported rarely.

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included urticaria, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, pruritic erythematous rashes, and hirsutism.

Ocular

Ocular side effects have included myopia.

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects have included vaginal bleeding and microscopic hematuria.

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