Celontin

Generic name:methsuximide [ meth-SUX-i-mide ]
Drug class:Succinimide anticonvulsants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 22, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Celontin?

Celontin is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant.

Celontin is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat absence seizures (also called "petit mal" seizures) in adults and children.

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

Warnings

Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur during treatment with Celontin. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as: fever, swollen glands, sore throat, easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth), feeling very weak or tired.

Do not stop using Celontin suddenly. Stopping suddenly may cause increased seizures.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Celontin if you are allergic to Celontin or to other seizure medications.

To make sure Celontin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• lupus;

• liver disease;

• kidney disease; or

• a history of depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or actions.

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

Follow your doctor's instructions about taking seizure medication if you are pregnant. Do not start or stop taking this medicine without your doctor's advice, and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Celontin may cause harm to an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. The benefit of preventing seizures may outweigh any risks to the baby.

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 methsuximide on the baby.

It is not known whether methsuximide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Celontin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Celontin can weaken your immune system. Your blood may need to be tested often.

Do not stop using Celontin suddenly, even if you f...