Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR is an anti-epileptic medicine used to treat epilepsy. It helps prevent certain types of seizures (fits). It is also prescribed for a painful condition of the face, head, and neck known as trigeminal neuralgia and diabetes-related nerve pain (diabetic neuropathy). Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR must be taken with or without food, but take it at the same time every day. The dose and how often you need to take it will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to control your symptoms. It may be increased gradually. Many other medicines can interfere with this medicine so tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking to make sure it is safe. You can take this medicine with or without food but take it regularly at the same time each day to get the maximum benefit. It is important to take this medicine for as long as you are advised, even if you feel well. Missing even a single dose may trigger a seizure and, if you stop taking it abruptly, your condition may get worse. The most common side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, feeling dizzy, tired or drowsy, unsteadiness (balance disorder), constipation, dry mouth, and itching. Some people may develop blurring of vision and slurred speech. Most of the side effects are not serious. However, let your doctor know straight away if you notice a skin rash or if your mood becomes depressed or if you develop any thoughts about harming yourself. Before taking Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR, tell your doctor if you have any heart problems, kidney or liver disease, difficulty in urinating, or any mental illness like depression. These conditions may affect your treatment. You may be advised some blood tests (eg. CBC) before starting treatment and then periodically thereafter, to monitor your progress.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Sleepiness
• Abnormality of voluntary movements

If you miss a dose of Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

• Q. Q. How quickly does Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR start working??
  Ans: Your symptoms may take 1-2 weeks to improve. However, in some cases, it may take even longer. Consult your doctor if your condition doesn't improve or if you have any doubts regarding your condition.
• Q. Q. Is Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR an analgesic? What is it used for??
  Ans: No, Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR is not an analgesic and should not be used for regular aches or pains. It is an anti-epileptic medicine which is used to treat fits (seizures). It is also used in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (intense facial nerve pain). In addition to that, Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR is used to control mood disorders when other medicines fail to work.
• Q. Q. What should I tell my doctor before taking Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR??
  Ans: Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines including medicines for epilepsy or seizures, medicines used to thin your blood (e.g., warfarin), medicines to control bacterial infection (e.g., chloramphenicol, metronidazole and doxycycline) and medicines to control viral infection (e.g., nelfinavir). Also, let your doctor know if you take asthma medicines (e.g., theophylline and montelukast), birth control pills, etc. It is important to tell your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Further, you should tell the doctor if you have ever had liver problems, kidney problems, lung problems or porphyria (a rare blood pigment disorder).
• Q. Q. What are the long-term effects of Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR??
  Ans: The long-term side effects of Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR vary from person to person. While some people can take Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR safely for several years, some may develop side effects on using it for long term. These side effects include osteoporosis and osteopenia in which the bones become weak and can get easily fractured. Therefore, if you have been prescribed Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR for a long term, get your bone density checked at regular intervals, maintain a healthy diet and exercise daily.
• Q. Q. What should I avoid while taking Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR??
  Ans: Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR may make you sleepy or you may feel dizzy. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. Alcohol consumption should be avoided since taking both together may cause excessive sleepiness.
• Q. Q. How do I stop taking Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR??
  Ans: You should stop Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR only after consulting your doctor. It is advised to gradually decrease the dose of Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR so that the condition for which you are taking it does not recur.
• Q. Q. How can I look for early symptoms of suicidal thoughts and actions??
  Ans: Pay attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts or feelings. Keep all follow-up visits with your doctor as scheduled. Call your doctor as needed, especially if you are worried about any symptoms.
• Q. Q. Can the use of Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR lead to weight gain? If yes, how can it be managed??
  Ans: Yes, Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR causes weight gain as a common side effect. This could be due to an increase in appetite. You can manage your weight by eating a healthy diet, consuming low calorie food and including more vegetables and fruits in your diet. Also, regular physical exercise will be very helpful.
• Q. Q. Can the use of Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR affect my sex life??
  Ans: Though rare but Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR may cause decreased sexual desire. It may also impair male fertility as it may reduce sperm count and/or motility. Consult your doctor if you develop these symptoms.
• Q. Q. I am taking Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR for trigeminal neuralgia. For how long do I need to take it??
  Ans: Once the medicine relieves your pain, talk to your doctor who will gradually reduce your dose. Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR can be possibly stopped if there is no recurrence of pain after taking the reduced dose for several weeks.
• Q. Q. How can I reduce the side effects of Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR??
  Ans: Side effects of Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR can be reduced by starting it at a low dose. The doctor may gradually increase the dose, until an effective dose is reached.
• Q. Q. When should I go for a laboratory test when taking this medicine??
  Ans: Before starting treatment with Fobigone 400mg Tablet SR, your doctor may ask you to get regular blood tests, liver function test, and in some cases, even a urine test. You may need to take these tests from time to time during your treatment. This is quite usual and nothing to worry about.

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