Most people who take rufinamide don't have too much trouble with side effects. 

The most common complaints during clinical studies of adults with partial seizures (usually mild to moderate in severity) were:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Sleepiness (somnolence)

Less common complaints were double vision and trouble with balance.

The most common complaints during clinical studies of patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (usually mild to moderate in severity) were:

• Sleepiness (somnolence)
• Vomiting

Less commonly, a rash occurred.

Sometimes the doctor can help with these side effects by changing the prescription:

• reducing the overall amount of rufinamide
• prescribing smaller doses, taken more often

No one should stop taking rufinamide or change the amount they take without their doctor's guidance.

People who have just started taking rufinamide (or who have just started taking a larger amount) should be careful during activities that might be dangerous, until they know whether they are having any side effects.

Some people, especially children, who took rufinamide in the clinical studies developed serious reactions, particularly when rufinamide was first taken. The symptoms vary, but could include fever, rash, swelling of the lymph nodes, abnormal liver function, and blood in the urine. If any of these occur, tell the doctor or nurse immediately.

Because rufinamide is relatively new, it is not know if there are any long-term side effects.

Reviewed by Steven C. Schachter, MD
Submitted: 05/16/07