Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine Acetate) 600mg

Anticonvulsant, Miscellaneous

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship 

Eslicarbazepine Acetate, Aptiom is converted to its active form eslicarbazepine, whose exact mechanism is not fully understood, but is believed to involve the regulation of voltage-gated sodium channels.

Partial-onset seizures (epilepsy)

Before starting Eslicarbazepine Acetate, Aptiom make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, if you have/have history of atrioventricular block, kidney disease, liver disease, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Eslicarbazepine Acetate, Aptiom use has been associated with rare but serious adverse events such as CNS effects, dermatologic reactions, hematologic effects, hepatic effects, hypersensitivity reactions, hyponatremia, multiorgan hypersensitivity reactions, suicidal ideation, and altered thyroid function. 

Oral: Initially 400mg once daily (may justify 800mg daily if risk of seizure outweighs risk of adverse effects).  Increase weekly in increments of 400-600mg based on response and tolerability to a maximum of 1600mg once daily.  

How to Take: Follow instructions provided by physician/pharmacy label, take consistently at same time each day with or without food unless otherwise directed, store at room temperature.

You Need to Avoid:  Do not suddenly stop this medication, it should be withdrawn gradually to minimize the potential of increased seizure frequency, unless safety concerns require a more rapid withdrawal.       

Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, diplopia 

Note this is not a complete list of side effects, only the most common

1. Why do I feel so down/depressed since starting this medication? /Why am I having mood swings since starting this medication
   Rarely antiepileptic medications such as this can cause mood or behavior changes and in severe cases result in suicidal ideation.  If you are feeling any of these things or family members are reporting mood or behavioral changes, see your physician immediately to discuss your options as it could be a result of this medication.  Many scenarios where this medication is used can also result in these mood or behavioural changes so it is important to be open and honest with your physician about your feelings to make sure they have all of the information to treat you.
2. Why would my physician prescribe a medication with such serious side effects?
   Your physician takes the most recent clinical guidelines to make evidence-based decisions on what medication is appropriate in which situations.  Your current medications, your allergies, age, cost of medication, comorbid conditions and many other factors will further complicate or limit which medications are appropriate.  This medication is used for many serious conditions and your physician has determined the benefits outweigh the risks.   Furthermore, they will be monitoring your bloodwork and symptoms closely to see if any serious complications are starting to arise and be able to adjust therapy to prevent progression.