Banzel is a prescribed drug used to treat seizures in people with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. This eMedTV Web article provides a detailed overview of this medication, including information on how it works, general dosing tips, and possible side effects.
Headaches, nausea, and fatigue are some of the most common Banzel side effects. This eMedTV Web segment further describes other side effects seen with the drug, including other common side effects and those that require immediate medical attention.
Banzel is primarily used for treating seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. This eMedTV page provides more information about what the medication is used for, including information on Banzel uses in children and possible off-label uses.
A doctor will typically start with a low Banzel dosage and increase it slowly as necessary. This eMedTV resource offers a more in-depth look at dosing guidelines in adults and children, and lists tips for when and how to effectively take Banzel.
Taking medications such as phenytoin and divalproex may cause negative drug interactions with Banzel. This eMedTV segment features a list of other medications that can lead to interactions and also explains the complications that could result.
You may not be able to safely take Banzel if you have liver disease or familial short QT syndrome. This eMedTV article offers a list of several other Banzel warnings and precautions, and also covers what to tell your doctor before taking the medicine.
As with many medications, it is possible to overdose on Banzel (rufinamide). This eMedTV Web segment discusses what to expect with an overdose, including information on how a healthcare provider will treat any symptoms that occur as a result.
It may not be safe to take Banzel (rufinamide) during pregnancy. This eMedTV Web resource provides a discussion on Banzel and pregnancy, including the results of animal studies and why the FDA considers the drug pregnancy Category C medicine.
This eMedTV page explains why the manufacturer of Banzel (rufinamide) does not recommend the drug to women who are breastfeeding. It may cause problems in a nursing infant, and you should talk to your doctor before taking Banzel and breastfeeding.
Exclusivity rights prevent any generic versions of Banzel (rufinamide) from being made until 2015. This eMedTV page explains circumstances that could affect the date when generic Banzel will become available.
