Ethosuximide is prescribed for the treatment of absence (petit mal) seizures in patients who have been diagnosed with epilepsy. Absence seizures are sudden but brief lapses in consciousness, usually spanning 10-20 seconds. These episodes are more common in children than in adults.

Absence seizures are characterized by a quick loss of consciousness. This may appear as though someone is staring blankly into space or a sudden stoppage of movement. Again, these episodes usually only last for 10 seconds. After the seizure, there is no memory of the lapse in attention occurring. The affected individual usually snaps back to alertness with no physical symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or confusion.

While ethosuximide does not cure epilepsy, it can help control these brief seizures. Because petit mal seizures affect attention, they can have a detrimental effect on work or educational performance. Ethosuximide helps individuals who have epilepsy manage these lapses in alertness.

Ethosuximide has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to a health care provider if these adverse reactions become severe or do not go away after a few days.

Common symptoms reported from ethosuximide use include:

• Nausea/ vomiting
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Stomach pain
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Weight loss
  
• Drowsiness
  

This is not a complete list of adverse effects – though these are the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience symptoms such as sore throat, joint or muscle pain, rash, fever, hives, or blisters while taking ethosuximide.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with ethosuximide. Ethosuximide can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking ethosuximide, inform your health care provider immediately.

Ethosuximide is commonly supplied as an oral tablet. The exact dosage will vary depending on the age of the patient and their body weight.

Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of ethosuximide without consulting your provider first. If you begin to experience adverse side effects while taking this medication, like those listed above, inform your provider right away.

Ethosuximide is currently only available via prescription. This means that the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write you a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not ethosuximide might be right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for ethosuximide to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.