Visit your doctor or health care providerfor regular checks on your progress. If you take this medicine for seizures, wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. Carry an identification card with information about your condition, medicines, and doctor or health care provider.
It is important to take this medicine exactly as directed. When first starting treatment, your dose will need to be adjusted slowly. It may take weeks or months before your dose is stable. You should contact your doctor or health care providerif your seizures get worse or if you have any new types of seizures. Do not stop taking this medicine unless instructed by your doctor or health care provider. Stopping your medicine suddenly can increase your seizures or their severity.
This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
If you are taking this medicine for bipolar disorder, it is important to report any changes in your mood to your doctor or health care provider. If your condition gets worse, you get mentally depressed, feel very hyperactive or manic, have difficulty sleeping, or have thoughts of hurting yourself or committing suicide, you need to get help from your health care providerright away. If you are a caregiver for someone taking this medicine for bipolar disorder, you should also report these behavioral changes right away. The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Women who become pregnant while using this medicine may enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. This registry collects information about the safety of antiepileptic drug use during pregnancy.
This medicine may cause a decrease in folic acid. You should make sure that you get enough folic acid while you are taking this medicine. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care provider.