Banzel, also known as rufinamide, is a medication used to prevent control seizures that occur due to epilepsy or seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Rufinamide is an anticonvulsant that works by acting on the sodium channels of the brain. This drug reacts with these channels to prevent excessive electrical charges that cause seizures.

Make sure to always read the patient information and instructions before using this medication. Always follow your doctor’s directions.

• Take this medication by mouth twice a day, with or without food.
• Your doctor may start you at a low dose and increase over time to prevent the chance of side effects.
• Take it at the same time each day.
• This drug works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level.
• It is important to take reginamide at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night.
• Do not stop taking this drug without consulting your doctor.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• About your drug and other allergies.
• If you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• If you have a family history of certain heart problems, kidney disease, liver disease, mood disorders (depression, thoughts of suicide).
• Drinking alcohol or consuming cannabis may increase the side effect of dizziness.

You should also know:

• This drug is taken during pregnancy when clearly needed. It is unknown if it passes into breast milk, so consult your doctor if you are breast-feeding or plan to become pregnant.

Common side effects of Banzel include but are not limited to:

• Loss of coordination
• Trouble walking
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Vision problems
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness

Get medical help if you have any of the following side effects of rufinamide.

• Depression
• Mood disorders
• Suicidal thoughts
• Changes in behavior

What happens if I miss a dose of my medication?

It is important to take Banzel as soon as you remember, but skip the dose if it is close to the time of your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time. Always get your prescription refilled before you run out completely.