Mysoline

• Antidepressants called MAO inhibitors, such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine
• Blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin
• Doxycycline
• Estrogen-containing oral contraceptives
• Griseofulvin
• Steroid drugs such as dexamethasone

Avoid alcoholic beverages while you are taking Mysoline.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Although the effects of Mysoline in pregnancy and nursing infants are not known, recent studies show an increase in birth defects in infants born to epileptic women taking anticonvulsant medications (particularly phenytoin and phenobarbital). Although most pregnant women taking anticonvulsant medication give birth to normal, healthy babies, this possibility may also exist with Mysoline. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Mysoline appears in breast milk and can affect a nursing infant, causing excessive sleepiness and drowsiness. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage for Mysoline

ADULTS

For people 8 years of age and older who have not been treated before, the doctor will start Mysoline as follows, using either 50-milligram or scored 250-milligram Mysoline tablets:

Days 1 to 3: 100 to 125 milligrams at bedtime

Days 4 to 6: 100 to 125 milligrams 2 times a day

Days 7 to 9: 100 to 125 milligrams 3 times a day

Day 10 to maintenance: 250 milligrams 3 times a day

For most adults and children 8 years of age and over, the usual maintenance dosage is 250 milligrams 3 or 4 times a day. If you need more, your doctor may increase the dose to five or six 250-milligram tablets. You should not take more than 500 milligrams 4 times a day (2000 milligrams or 2 grams).

In patients already receiving other anticonvulsants, the usual starting dose of Mysoline is 100 to 125 milligrams at bedtime; your doctor will gradually increase this dose to a maintenance level as the other drug is gradually decreased. Your doctor will either find a working level for the combination or withdraw the other medication completely. When Mysoline is to be used as a single drug, it will take at least 2 weeks to make the transition from two drugs to one.