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Cenobamate Tablets

What is this medication?

CENOBAMATE (sen oh BAM ate) prevents and controls seizures in people with epilepsy. It works by calming overactive nerves in your body.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): XCOPRI, XCOPRI Daily Dose, XCOPRI Titration

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to cenobamate, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Ranolazine

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Alcohol
  • Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepam, or lorazepam
  • Bupropion
  • Certain antihistamines
  • Certain medications for depression, such as amitriptyline or trazodone
  • Certain medications for seizures, such as phenobarbital or primidone
  • Estrogen or progestin hormones
  • Local anesthetics like lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine
  • Medications that cause drowsiness before a procedure, such as propofol
  • Medications that help you fall asleep
  • Medications that relax muscles
  • Omeprazole
  • Opioids for pain or cough
  • Phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

Watch for new or worsening thoughts of suicide or depression. This includes sudden changes in mood, behaviors, or thoughts. These changes can happen at any time but are more common in the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose. Call your care team right away if you experience these thoughts or worsening depression.

Tell your care team right away if you have any change in your eyesight.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
  • Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
  • Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, or feelings of depression

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Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Blurry vision
  • Difficulty with paying attention, memory, or speech
  • Dizziness
  • Double vision
  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Loss of balance or coordination

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. This medication can be abused. Keep it in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share it with anyone. It is only for you. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

This medication may cause harm and death if it is taken by other adults, children, or pets. It is important to get rid of the medication as soon as you no longer need it or it is expired. You can do this in two ways:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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