Subvenite

Subvenite is a medicine that helps to control seizures, also known as an anticonvulsant.

Subvenite can be used on its own or with other medicines to treat seizures in both adults and children. This medicine is also used to help prevent mood episodes in adults with bipolar disorder (manic depression).

Immediate-release Subvenite can be given to children as young as 2 years old when it is part of a combination of seizure medicines. However, this form should not be used alone in a child or teenager who is younger than 16 years old.

Extended-release Subvenite is only for use in adults and children who are at least 13 years old.

Subvenite may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may change your dose from time to time. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Taking too much Subvenite at the beginning of treatment may raise your risk of a severe life-threatening skin rash.

You may need frequent blood tests to help your doctor ensure you are on the right dose.

Extended-release and immediate-release Subvenite may be used for different conditions. Always check your refills to confirm you have the correct size, color, and shape of tablet. Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes.

If you switch to Subvenite from another seizure medicine, carefully follow your doctor's instructions regarding the timing and dosage of your medicine.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Read and follow any Instructions for Use provided with the orally disintegrating or dispersible tablets. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Do not stop using Subvenite suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may lead to increased seizures. Follow your doctor's instructions for tapering your dose.

In case of emergency, wear or carry medical identification to inform others that you use seizure medication.

Subvenite may affect a drug-screening urine test and could lead to false results. Inform the laboratory staff that you are using this medicine.

Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture.

Subvenite may lead to a severe or life-threatening skin rash, particularly in children and in individuals who start with a very high dose, or those who also take valproic acid (Depakene) or divalproex (Depakote). Seek emergency medical help if you experience a skin rash, hives, blistering, peeling, or sores in your mouth or around your eyes.

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice signs of other serious side effects, which include: fever, swollen glands, severe muscle pain, bruising or unusual bleeding, yellowing of your skin or eyes, headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, confusion, or increased sensitivity to light.

Some individuals may have thoughts of suicide while taking Subvenite. Be vigilant for changes in your mood or symptoms. Inform your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms.

You should not take Subvenite if you are allergic to it.

Subvenite may cause a severe or life-threatening skin rash, especially in children and in people who take a very high starting dose, or those who also take valproic acid (Depakene) or divalproex (Depakote).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a rash or allergic reaction after taking another seizure medication;
• kidney or liver disease;
• heart problems such as heart block or irregular heartbeats;
• depression, suicidal thoughts or actions; or
• meningitis (inflammation of the tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord) after taking Subvenite.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking Subvenite. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

Do not start or stop taking seizure medication during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of lamotrigine on the baby.

Birth control pills can make Subvenite less effective, resulting in increased seizures. Tell your doctor if you start or stop using birth control pills. Your medicine dose may need to be changed.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using Subvenite. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

If you need to stop taking Subvenite because of a serious skin rash, you may not be able to take it again in the future.

Tell your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms, such as: changes in mood or behavior, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or harming yourself.

Subvenite may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• fast, slow, or pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
• chest pain, shortness of breath;
• fever, swollen glands, weakness, severe muscle pain;
• any skin rash, especially with blistering or peeling;
• painful sores in your mouth or around your eyes;
• headache, neck stiffness, increased sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• pale skin, cold hands and feet, easy bruising, unusual bleeding.

Common side effects of Subvenite may include:

• headache, dizziness;
• blurred vision, double vision;
• tremor, loss of coordination;
• dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
• fever, sore throat, runny nose;
• drowsiness, feeling tired;
• back pain; or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is close to the time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Get your prescription refilled before you completely run out of medicine.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Signs of an overdose may include blurred vision, trouble with coordination, more seizures, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

Avoid driving or doing anything dangerous until you understand how Subvenite will affect you. Your reactions may be impaired.

Sometimes, it is not safe to use certain medications together. Some drugs can change the blood levels of other drugs you are taking, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Other drugs may affect Subvenite, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.