Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Diacomit (Stiripentol).
Caffeine: Diacomit (Stiripentol) interacts with caffeine and other similar substances. People who take stiripenol should avoid colas, chocolate, coffee, tea and energy drinks.
Delirium and hallucinations: Rarely, Diacomit (Stiripentol) has been linked to delirium or hallucinations when taken by adults. If you have a history of psychoses or delirium, discuss with your doctor how Diacomit (Stiripentol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Diacomit (Stiripentol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Drowsiness/Reduced Alertness: Diacomit (Stiripentol) may cause drowsiness or dizziness, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these and other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Diacomit (Stiripentol) affects you.
Growth Problems: Diacomit (Stiripentol) can cause appetite loss and stomach upset which may result in loss of weight. For children this can result in growth problems. Your child's growth rate should be monitored by your doctor while taking Diacomit (Stiripentol). Talk to your doctor if your child is experiencing significant loss of appetite and weight loss.
Infection: Diacomit (Stiripentol) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.
Kidney function: Reduced kidney function may cause Diacomit (Stiripentol) to build up in the body and cause side effects. If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Diacomit (Stiripentol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Diacomit (Stiripentol), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your kidney function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Diacomit (Stiripentol).
Liver function: The effect of reduced liver function on how the body uses Diacomit (Stiripentol) has not been studied. Diacomit (Stiripentol) may reduce liver function and can cause liver problems. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Diacomit (Stiripentol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Diacomit (Stiripentol), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Diacomit (Stiripentol).
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately
Other medications for seizures: It is important to avoid taking Carbamazepine, Phenytoin or Phenobarbital when using Diacomit (Stiripentol). If you or your child are using any of these medications, discuss with your doctor the appropriate way to change medications.
Suicidal or agitated behaviour: People taking Diacomit (Stiripentol) may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may occur within several weeks after starting Diacomit (Stiripentol). If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Diacomit (Stiripentol), contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking Diacomit (Stiripentol).
Pregnancy: Although there is no information on the effect that Diacomit (Stiripentol) can have on the developing baby if it is taken by the mother during pregnancy, many medications that are used to treat seizures cause harm to the unborn baby. Diacomit (Stiripentol) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Diacomit (Stiripentol), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Diacomit (Stiripentol) may pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Diacomit (Stiripentol), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Seniors: There is no information regarding the safe and effective use of Diacomit (Stiripentol) by older adults. Seniors may be more likely to experience side effects because of liver and kidney impairment.
