Rufinamide

Rufinamide may be prescribed to treat seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. This medication is only approved for use in combination with other seizure medications. In clinical studies, people who added it to their current seizure medications significantly reduced seizure frequency by 32.7 percent. Although most people have no problems with this medication, side effects may include headaches, drowsiness, and nausea.

What Is Rufinamide?

Rufinamide (Banzel™) is a prescription medication approved to treat seizures in people with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). It is only approved for use in combination with other seizure medications and can be used in adults and children as young as four years old.
 
(Click What Is Rufinamide Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Are There Side Effects?

Just like any medicine, rufinamide may cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Some of the most common side effects include but are not limited to:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea.
     
(Click Side Effects of Rufinamide to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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