The best amount is the amount that completely controls seizures without causing troublesome side effects. It depends on many factors, which are different for every individual, so no single dose works best for everyone. Follow the doctor's directions. Call if you have any questions.

No one should stop taking rufinamide or change the amount they take without talking to the doctor first. Stopping any seizure medicine all at once could potentially cause a serious and possibly life-threatening problem due to increased seizures.

Don’t use more than the doctor prescribes. If a little extra (such as one or two extra tablets) is taken by accident, call the doctor for advice. For a larger overdose, call a poison control center or emergency room right away unless you have special instructions from the doctor.

There are no formal dosage recommendations for rufinamide in the United States. In countries where rufinamide is approved for use, the doctor may start by prescribing a low dose to avoid side effects.

In children, the dosages used in clinical studies started at 1 mg/kg each day and ranged up to 45 mg/kg each day. In studies of patients with partial seizures, the initial rufinamide dosage ranged from 200 to 1600 mg each day, and final doses ranged up to 3200 mg each. Patients took rufinamide twice a day in these studies.

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