About Aptiom: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Introduction

Aptiom is a brand name for the prescription medicine eslicarbazepine, which is used to treat focal seizures, commonly known as partial-onset seizures. Seizures that begin in one area of the brain and may or may not spread to other areas are known as focal seizures. Aptiom is an anticonvulsant, which works by lowering the aberrant electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures.

Uses

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Aptiom for the treatment of focal seizures in adults and children over the age of four. It can be taken on its own or in conjunction with other seizure drugs. Aptiom may help with seizure frequency and severity, but it is not a cure for epilepsy.

Dosage

Aptiom is available in tablet form and is taken once day, with or without food. Aptiom dose is determined by a number of criteria, including the patient's age, weight, medical condition, reaction to treatment, and other medications they are taking. Aptiom's usual starting dose for adults is 400 mg per day, which can be gradually raised up to 1200 mg per day. Aptiom's usual starting dose for children is 10 mg per kg of body weight per day, which can be gradually raised up to 30 mg per kg of body weight per day.

It is critical to carefully follow the doctor's directions and not change or discontinue Aptiom without first checking with the doctor. Stopping Aptiom abruptly may result in withdrawal symptoms or an increase in the risk of seizures. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible, unless the following dose is approaching. In that instance, skip the missing dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. To make up for a missing dose, do not take two doses at once.

Aptiom may cause negative effects in certain individuals. Aptiom's most common adverse effects are as follows:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Dual vision
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Vertigo
• Ataxia (coordination loss)
• Vision distortion
• Tremor (unsteadiness)

These adverse effects are usually minor and will subside as the body responds to the medicine. However, if they persist or intensify, or if they interfere with daily activities, they should be brought to the attention of a doctor.

Some Aptiom side effects can be severe and necessitate emergency medical intervention. These are some examples:

• Allergic responses (rashes, itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing)
• Low sodium levels in the blood can cause confusion, weakness, muscle discomfort, and increased seizures.
• Symptoms of liver disease (such as skin or eye yellowing, dark urine, and abdominal pain)
• Blood disease symptoms (such as easy bruising or bleeding, infections, and anaemia)
• Mood or mental changes (for example, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts or deeds)

Aptiom may also interact with other medications, reducing their efficacy or increasing their negative effects. Some medicines that may interact with Aptiom include:

• Birth control pills (Aptiom may reduce their effectiveness)
• Other seizure drugs (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital) are also available.
• Antidepressants (for example, citalopram and escitalopram)
• Antifungals (for example, ketoconazole)
• Antibiotics (for example, rifampin)
• HIV drugs (for example, ritonavir)

This is not an exhaustive list of Aptiom medication interactions. Patients should inform their doctor about all medications they are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products, before using Aptiom.

Warnings

Aptiom may not be appropriate for everyone. Before taking Aptiom, patients should inform their doctor if they have any medical issues or allergies. The following conditions may have an impact on Aptiom use:

• Kidney failure
• The illness of the liver
• Blood problems
• Suicidal ideation or mood disorders

Patients should also inform their doctor if they are pregnant or intend to become pregnant while on Aptiom. Aptiom has the potential to harm an unborn foetus or cause birth abnormalities. However, experiencing a seizure during pregnancy can be harmful to both the mother and the baby. As a result, the advantages and disadvantages of taking Aptiom during pregnancy should be reviewed with your doctor. If a patient falls pregnant while using Aptiom, they should not discontinue it without first visiting a doctor. Aptiom can potentially enter breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Unless otherwise directed by a doctor, patients should not breastfeed while using Aptiom.

Aptiom can impair your ability to drive or operate machinery, especially when you first start taking it or change your dose. Patients should exercise caution and refrain from participating in these activities until they understand how Aptiom affects them.

Aptiom is not approved for usage in children under the age of four. Aptiom's safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been established.

Summary

Aptiom is a drug used to treat focal seizures in adults and children over the age of four. It belongs to the anticonvulsant class of medications, which function by lowering the aberrant electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures. Aptiom may help with seizure frequency and severity, but it is not a cure for epilepsy. Some people may experience negative effects with Aptiom, some of which may be significant and necessitate medical treatment. Aptiom may also interact with other medications, reducing their efficacy or increasing their negative effects. Aptiom is not for everyone and should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.