Methsuximide [Mesuximide]

Methsuximide may be prescribed in combination with other anticonvulsants (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin) for the prophylactic and symptomatic management of absence seizures or partial seizures with complex symptomatology when other anticonvulsant pharmacotherapy alone has failed to provide adequate seizure control. However, it appears to involve depression of the motor cortex and elevation of the seizure threshold. Methsuximide suppresses the paroxysmal three-cycle-per-second spike and wave activity that is associated with lapses of consciousness, which occur commonly with absence seizures. Methsuximide is fairly well absorbed following oral ingestion and achieves peak blood concentrations within 1 to 3 hours. It is extensively metabolized in the liver to several metabolites, including the active metabolite, N-demethylmethsuximide. Methsuximide has increased potential for toxicity.