Ethosuximide

In New Zealand, ethosuximide is available as capsules and a liquid syrup.

• The dose of ethosuximide will be different for different people, depending on your age and response to the medication or if you are taking other medicines.
• Your doctor will start you on a low dose and increase your dose slowly over a few weeks.
• Always take your ethosuximide exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.

• Timing: Ethosuximide is usually taken twice a day, usually about 10–12 hours part. Try to take it at the same time(s) each day, as this will help you to remember to take your doses regularly.
• Food and drink: Swallow your capsules whole with a drink of water. You can take ethosuximide with or without food.
• Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is within 4 hours of when your dose was due. But if more than 4 hours have passed since when the dose was due, just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take extra doses to make up for a forgotten dose. If you are not sure what to do, ask your healthcare provider.
• Keep taking ethosuximide every day:  See tips to help you remember to take your medicines regularly.  It may take a few weeks before you notice the full benefits of ethosuximide. Don't stop taking ethosuximide suddenly; talk to your doctor or nurse before stopping.

For information on how to give ethosuximide to children, see ethosuximide information for parents and carers.(external link) 

Here are some things to know when you're taking ethosuximide. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

• Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking ethosuximide. Alcohol can increase your chance of side effects such as drowsiness.
• Tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking ethosuximide. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that need you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Ethosuximide can interact with other medicines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking including over the counter medicines, herbal and complementary medicines or recreational drugs. 
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Like all medicines, ethosuximide can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects go away once your body gets used to the new medicine.