Compare Banzel vs. Aptiom
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Added to other medicines to control seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Banzel (rufinamide) is safe for children as young as 1 year old to control seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, but it cannot be taken by itself.
Prevents seizures
Aptiom (eslicarbazepine) treats epilepsy, but is more expensive than other medicines that work like it.
Upsides
- Banzel (rufinamide) works well to control seizures when used with your other seizure medicines.
- If you have trouble swallowing, Banzel (rufinamide) is available in liquid and tablets can be crushed or cut into smaller pieces.
- Can be combined with other anti-seizure medicines if it doesn't work well enough by itself.
- Some people may tolerate Aptiom (eslicarbazepine) better than other medicines that work just like it.
Downsides
- Banzel (rufinamide) has to be taken with other medicines to control seizures.
- Banzel (rufinamide) is for seizures caused by a very specific condition, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
- The dose of Banzel (rufinamide) may need to be adjusted frequently. You have to stick to the schedule from your doctor on how much and when to take it.
- You have to talk to your doctor if you're interested in stopping Banzel (rufinamide). Stopping Banzel (rufinamide) suddenly can make your seizures worse.
- Some people may be allergic to Banzel (rufinamide).
- More expensive than other medicines that work like it.
- Researchers do not know if this medicine works and is safe for children and elderly people.
Used for
- Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$6243.02
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$1054.59
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Side effects
18possible side effects
- Headache27%
- Dizziness19%
- Fatigue16%
- Nausea12%
- Sleepiness11%
- Double vision9%
- Tremors6%
- Difficulty controlling eyes6%
- Blurry vision6%
- Vomiting5%
- Movement coordination problems4%
- Upper abdominal pain3%
- Anxiety3%
- Constipation3%
- Indigestion3%
- Back pain3%
- Difficulty walking3%
- Balance problems3%
25possible side effects
- Dizziness20%
- Headache13%
- Drowsiness11%
- Nausea10%
- Double vision9%
- Blurry vision6%
- Vomiting6%
- Diarrhea4%
- Fatigue4%
- Inability to control your movements4%
- Falls3%
- Loss of balance3%
- Dizziness or spinning sensation2%
- Other vision problems2%
- Constipation2%
- Abdominal pain2%
- Inflammation of stomach2%
- Lack of energy2%
- Problems with walking2%
- Swelling of the hands and feet2%
- Urinary tract infections2%
- Low sodium levels2%
- Tremor2%
- Insomnia2%
- Cough2%
Risks and risk factors
- Suicidal behavior
- Taking other medicines to control seizures
- Sleepiness and movement problems
- Heart problems
- Familial short QT syndrome
- Allergic reactions
- Children under 12 years of age
- Withdrawal seizures
- Stopping Banzel (rufinamide) suddenly
- Changes in mood and suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Serious skin problems
- Serious allergic reactions
- Low sodium levels
- Changes in alertness
- Higher doses of Aptiom (eslicarbazepine)
- Risk of increased seizures