Zarontin (Ethosuximide) Syrup 50mg/ml

Anticonvulsant, Succinimide

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

Ethosuximide, Zarontin increase the seizures threshold and suppresses paroxysmal spike-and-wave pattern in absence seizures.

Absence (Petit Mal) Seizures

Before starting Ethosuximide, Zarontin make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take.  Ethosuximide, Zarontin has causes severe blod dyscrasias (some fatal) and as a result complete blood count monitoring is required, especially if signs/symptoms of infection develop.  Ethosuximide, Zarontin can cause central nervous system depression, dermatologic reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, multiorgan hypersensitivity reactions, systemic lupus erythematous, suicidal ideation, hepatic and/or renal impairment.

Oral: 500mg to 1500mg daily under the supervision of a physician; higher doses may be necessary in some patients.

The frequency of side effects has not been recorded but have included the following: aggressive behavior, ataxia, delusional paranoid disorder, depression (with cases of overt suicidal intentions), disturbed sleep dizziness, drowsiness, euphoria, fatigue, headache, hyperactivity, irritability, lack of concentration, lethargy, night terrors, pruritus, skin rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, urticaria, hirsutism, increased libido, weight loss, abdominal pain, anorexia, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, epigastric pain, gastric distress, gingival hyperplasia, hiccups, nausea, swollen tongue, vomiting, occult blood in the urine, vaginal hemorrhage, hematologic disturbances (i.e. agranulocytosis, eosinophilia, leukopenia, pancytopenia), DRESS syndrome (drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms), systemic lupus erythematosus and myopia.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for Ethosuximide, Zarontin only common ones

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 condition(s) 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.