Aptiom

Generic name:eslicarbazepine [ ES-li-kar-BAZ-e-peen ]
Drug class:Dibenzazepine anticonvulsants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 23, 2021.

What is Aptiom?

Aptiom is an anticonvulsant. It works by decreasing nerve impulses that cause seizures and pain.

Aptiom is used alone or with other medications to treat partial-onset seizures in adults and children who are at least 4 years old.

Aptiom may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Do not stop using Aptiom suddenly.

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes. This reaction may occur several weeks after you began using Aptiom.

Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of low sodium levels in your body such as nausea, confusion, severe weakness, muscle pain, or increased seizures.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking seizure medicine. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Aptiom if you are allergic to eslicarbazepine or oxcarbazepine.

To make sure Aptiom is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;

• liver disease;

• a blood cell disorder; or

• mood problems or suicidal thoughts.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking an anticonvulsant. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are taking Aptiom. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

Do not start or stop taking Aptiom during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking Aptiom for seizures.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of eslicarbazepine on the baby.

Aptiom can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using non hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking Aptiom.

Eslicarbazepine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Aptiom not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take Aptiom?

Aptiom is usually given once per day. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may take Aptiom with or without food. The Aptiom tablet may be crush...