Description

Aptiom (eslicarbazepine acetate) is a medication used to treat partial seizures. It works by slowing down the movement of sodium in your nervous tissue to prevent your nerves from rapidly firing. You can buy Aptiom as 200mg, 400mg, 600mg, or 800mg tablets. Store your Aptiom tablets at room temperature and keep them out of reach of children.

Directions

• If you are unable to swallow Aptiom tablets whole, they can also be crushed
• You can take Aptiom without regard to meals.
• Your dose will depend on your age, weight, and kidney function. Work closely with your doctor to get the best results.
• Your doctor will start you at a low dose and slowly increase it until you achieve a goal dose, or your symptoms are well controlled.
• Generally, Aptiom is dosed as follows:
  • Adult Patients:
    • Goal daily dose – 800mg to 1600mg per day
    • Initial Dosage – 400mg by mouth once daily
    • Dose Increase – Increase your daily dose by 400mg – 600mg each week until your symptoms are well controlled.
  • Children aged 4 -17 years old
    • Goal daily dose by weight:
      • 11-21 kg – 400mg to 600mg daily
      • 22-31kg – 500mg to 800mg daily
      • 32-38kg – 600mg to 900mg daily
      • More than 38kg – 800 to 1200mg daily
    • Starting doses based on weight:
      • 11-21 kg – 200mg per day
      • 22-31 kg – 300mg per day
      • 32-38 kg – 300mg per day
      • More than 38kg – 400mg per day
    • Dose Increase – Consult your pediatrician for guidance on increasing the dose

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Aptiom is eslicarbazepine acetate. A full list of ingredients can be found in the package insert.

Cautions

• Aptiom can cause anaphylaxis. Do not take Aptiom if you are allergic to eslicarbazepine or any of the inactive ingredients.
• Do not take Aptiom if you are allergic to oxcarbazepine.
• Do not abruptly stop taking Aptiom. Work with your doctor to slowly decrease your dose over time.
• Report any thoughts of suicide to your doctor immediately.
• Aptiom can cause severe skin reactions that could be life-threatening. Contact your physician if you start to notice any rashes or unusual skin conditions.
• Aptiom can cause a condition called DRESS (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms). DRESS can be life-threatening and should be addressed immediately. Contact your physician or seek emergency care if you experience rash, fever, or enlarged lymph nodes. Talk to your doctor about DRESS before starting Aptiom therapy.
• Aptiom can cause a potentially life-threatening condition called angioedema. Contact your doctor or seek emergency care if you start to experience swelling of the tongue, face, or throat.
• Aptiom can cause a significant drop in your sodium levels. Your doctor should monitor your sodium levels while you are using Aptiom.
• Aptiom can damage your liver. Your doctor may monitor your liver enzymes periodically while you are using Aptiom.
• Some patients might see an increase or decrease in their thyroid function while using Aptiom. Your doctor should consider monitoring your thyroid function while you are using Aptiom.
• Although rare, Aptiom can cause certain specific blood disorders. Your physician should monitor your blood cell counts while you are using Aptiom.
• Aptiom can interact with other medications. Make sure your doctor knows of all the medicine you use before you start Aptiom.

Side Effects

The side effects of Aptiom include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Tremors
• Vertigo
• Ataxia
• Blurred vision
• Double vision

Other Considerations

• Aptiom is a brand-name drug. There is an Aptiom generic available at a lower price than the Aptiom cost.