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Home > Drug Category > Seizure Medications > Aptiom and Equivalent

Aptiom Information

Aptiom (eslicarbazepine acetate) is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat partial-onset seizures in adults and children 4 years of age and older. Partial-onset seizures are seizures that start in one area of the brain. Eslicarbazepine acetate is a prodrug rapidly converted to eslicarbazepine, its active metabolite. The exact mechanism by which eslicarbazepine exerts its antiseizure effect is not fully understood. However, it is believed to involve blocking voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve cells in the brain. By blocking these channels, eslicarbazepine helps stabilize hyperexcitable nerve membranes, inhibits repetitive neuronal firing, and reduces seizure activity in the brain. Aptiom is usually taken once daily. It is essential to use Aptiom as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for epilepsy and to continue taking it as directed by your doctor, even if your seizures are controlled.

Aptiom Side Effects

Common side effects of Aptiom may include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, blurred vision, and tremor. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and may decrease as your body adjusts to the medication. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, such as:
• Changes in vision, double vision
• Difficulty thinking or concentrating, memory issues
• Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS syndrome)
• If there are low sodium levels in the blood (hyponatremia), symptoms may include headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and weakness
• Liver problems (symptoms may include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain)
• Pancreatitis
• Problems with coordination or balance
• Severe skin rash or allergic reaction (symptoms may include fever, swollen lymph nodes, skin rash, itching, hives, blistering or peeling skin)
• Suicidal thoughts or actions
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema)
• Unusual bleeding or bruising (a potential sign of blood disorders)
• Unexplained fever or frequent infections (a potential sign of blood disorders)

Aptiom Precautions

Do not use Aptiom if you are allergic to eslicarbazepine acetate or oxcarbazepine. Before taking Aptiom, tell your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have kidney disease, liver disease, depression or other mood disorders, or a history of suicidal thoughts or actions. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is not known if Aptiom passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing infant. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as Aptiom can interact with other medicines. Significant interactions can occur with other anticonvulsants (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, lamotrigine), oral contraceptives (Aptiom may make them less effective), warfarin, and certain antidepressants. Women of childbearing age should discuss the use of effective contraception with their doctor while taking Aptiom. Aptiom may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so use caution while driving or operating machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stop taking Aptiom suddenly without talking to your doctor, as this could increase the frequency of your seizures. Your doctor will usually want to gradually decrease your dose if it becomes necessary to stop the medication.

Use Aptiom exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is usually taken once daily. Swallow the tablet whole with liquid. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet. You can take Aptiom with or without food. Taking it at the same time each day will help you remember. Your doctor will start you on a low dose and gradually increase it until your seizures are controlled with the fewest side effects. It is essential to follow your doctor's instructions carefully and not to change your dose without their guidance. Continue to take Aptiom even if your seizures are controlled. Regular follow-up appointments with your doctor are essential to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment as needed. Store Aptiom at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medications out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Aptiom?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Aptiom.