Aptiom, also known as eslicarbazepine, is a medication used to treat seizure disorders. Eslicarbazepine is an anticonvulsant that can reduce the number of seizures you have. This drug works by decreasing nerve impulses that cause seizures and pain. Aptiom can be used alone or with other medications to treat seizures in adults and children who are at least 4 years old.

Make sure to always read the patient information and instructions before using this medication. Always follow your doctor’s directions.

• Take this drug by mouth with or without food, typically once a day.
• Your doctor may start you at a low dose and gradually increase to reduce side effects.
• Take eslicarbazepine at the same time each day for the most benefit.
• Do not increase your dose or stop using without consulting your doctor. Seizures may become worse if you suddenly stop taking this medication.
• Always tell your doctor if your seizures worsen.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• About your drug and other allergies.
• If you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• If you have a medical history of kidney disease, liver disease, mineral imbalance, like low levels of sodium in the blood.
• If you have recently had or will be having major surgery while taking Aptiom.

You should also know:

• Alcohol and marijuana may increase the side effects of dizziness and drowsiness.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug.
• If you become pregnant while on Aptiom, discuss the risks and benefits of continuing treatment. Aptiom may harm an unborn baby, but untreated seizures are a serious condition that may cause even more harm. This medication also passes into breast milk.
• Hormonal birth control methods may not work while taking this medication, so discuss reliable forms of birth control with your doctor.

Common side effects of Aptiom include but are not limited to:

• Headache
• Shaking
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Get medical help if you have any of the following side effects of eslicarbazepine.

• Uncontrollable eye movements
• Blurred vision
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Signs of infection (sore throat that doesn’t go away, fever, chills)
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Pale skin
• Mood changes
• Abdominal pain
• Muscle weakness

How should I store Aptiom?

You should store your medication in a cool environment between 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to safely store these drugs out of reach of children and pets. Make sure to throw away medicine that is out of date or no longer needed.