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Ezogabine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 15, 2023.

Summary

Commonly reported side effects of ezogabine include: ataxia, blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, tremor, hallucination, and skin discoloration. Other side effects include: abnormal gait, anxiety, aphasia, asthenia, balance impairment, constipation, diplopia, disorientation, dysarthria, dysuria, influenza, memory impairment, nausea, paresthesia, urinary hesitancy, and vertigo. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

Applies to ezogabine: oral tablet.

Warning

  • This drug can cause certain eye problems. These eye problems may lead to lasting loss of eyesight. This drug is only for use if other drugs have not worked. Eye exams will be done before starting this drug and during treatment to watch for these eye problems. Call your doctor right away if you have any change in eyesight. Talk with your doctor to be sure that the benefits of this drug are more than the risks.

Serious side effects of Ezogabine

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • If seizures are worse or not the same after starting this drug.
  • Trouble speaking.
  • Change in balance.
  • Trouble moving around.
  • Not able to focus.
  • Memory problems or loss.
  • Feeling confused.
  • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
  • A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
  • Feeling very tired or weak.
  • Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
  • Pain when passing urine.
  • Passing urine in a weak stream or drips.
  • Very bad dizziness or passing out.
  • A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
  • Patients who take this drug may be at a greater risk of having thoughts or actions of suicide. The risk may be greater in people who have had these thoughts or actions in the past. Call the doctor right away if signs like low mood (depression), nervousness, restlessness, grouchiness, panic attacks, or changes in mood or actions are new or worse. Call the doctor right away if any thoughts or actions of suicide occur.

Other side effects of Ezogabine

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to ezogabine: oral tablet.

Ocular

Very common (10% or more): Retinal pigmentary abnormalities (up to 30%)

Common (1% to 10%): Diplopia, blurred vision

Frequency not reported: Decreased visual acuity, nystagmus

Postmarketing reports: Acquired vitelliform lesions[Ref]

Dermatologic

Very common (10% or more): Discoloration of the skin, palate, scleral, nail, conjunctiva, lip, and/or mucous membrane (up to 40%)

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hyperhidrosis, skin rash

Frequency not reported: Alopecia[Ref]

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Confusional state, psychotic disorders, hallucinations, anxiety, disorientation

Frequency not reported: Euphoric mood[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Dizziness (up to 23%), somnolence (up to 22%)

Common (1% to 10%): Memory impairment, tremor, vertigo, abnormal coordination, disturbance in attention, gait disturbance, aphasia, dysarthria, balance disorder, paresthesia, amnesia, myoclonus

Frequency not reported: Syncope, coma, encephalopathy[Ref]

Genitourinary

Common (1% to 10%): Urinary retention, urinary hesitation, dysuria, hematuria, chromaturia[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, constipation, dyspepsia, dry mouth

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysphasia[Ref]

Hematologic

Frequency not reported: Leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia[Ref]

Hepatic

Common (1% to 10%): Increased liver enzymes (less than 2%)

Frequency not reported: Nephrolithiasis[Ref]

Immunologic

Common (1% to 10%): Influenza[Ref]

Metabolic

Common (1% to 10%): Increased weight, increased appetite[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypokinesia

Frequency not reported: Muscle spasms[Ref]

Other

Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (up to 15%)

Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, malaise, peripheral edema[Ref]

Renal

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nephrolithiasis

Frequency not reported: Renal colic[Ref]

Respiratory

Frequency not reported: Dyspnea[Ref]

References

1. "Product Information. Potiga (ezogabine)." GlaxoSmithKline (2011):

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer