Felbamate
Felbamate is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat epilepsy, particularly in patients with severe seizures who have not responded to other treatments. While its exact mechanism of action is unknown, it demonstrates anticonvulsant properties similar to other antiepileptic drugs. Due to potentially serious side effects, felbamate is typically reserved as a second-line or adjunctive therapy when other medications have proven ineffective.
Felbamate is an anticonvulsant medication for severe epilepsy cases that works through unknown mechanisms and is used when other treatments fail.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N03AX10
- RxNorm
- 24812
- Generic
- Felbamate
- Class
- atc-n03
- Brands
- Felbatol
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- suspension, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Felbamate is used to treat partial seizures and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a severe form of epilepsy) in patients who have not responded adequately to other antiepileptic medications. It may be used as monotherapy or as an adjunctive treatment.
The exact mechanism by which felbamate exerts its anticonvulsant effects is unknown. In animal test systems designed to detect anticonvulsant activity, felbamate demonstrates properties similar to other marketed anticonvulsants.
Felbamate carries significant risks including rare but serious cases of aplastic anemia and hepatic failure. Due to these risks, it is typically reserved for patients with severe epilepsy unresponsive to other treatments. Regular blood counts and liver function monitoring are required during treatment. Use only under close medical supervision with informed consent.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy