Anti-epileptic (seizure medication)
CenobaMate (brand name Xcopri) is a prescription medication used to treat partial-onset seizures in adults. It works by affecting specific channels in the brain to reduce repetitive nerve firing. It is a Schedule V controlled substance and must be used as directed by a healthcare provider.
How it worksCenobaMate works by slowing down repetitive electrical signals in the brain. It does this by acting on GABA-A receptors and inhibiting certain sodium channels.
Brand names:XCOPRI
How to take
The starting dose is usually 12.5 mg once daily, which is gradually increased to a maintenance dose of 200 mg once daily. The maximum dose is 400 mg once daily.
Tablets can be taken whole or crushed and mixed with water. It can be taken with or without food.
Key warnings
- ·Monitor for suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
- ·Watch for signs of liver injury; doctors may need to test your liver function.
- ·Be careful with drugs that affect heart rhythm.
- ·Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without talking to a doctor, as it may increase seizures.
- ·Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you, as it can cause sleepiness or fatigue.
Do not use if
- ·Known allergy to cenobaMate or any of its ingredients
- ·Family history of Short QT syndrome
Side effects
Common
Serious
- ·Severe allergic reactions (DRESS/multi-organ hypersensitivity)
- ·Changes in heart rhythm (QT shortening)
- ·Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- ·Liver injury
- ·Neurological issues like extreme tiredness
- ·Increased seizure frequency if stopped suddenly
Seek help if
- ·Signs of a severe allergic reaction
- ·Suicidal thoughts
- ·New or worsening liver issues
- ·Changes in heart rhythm
Interactions
- ·Phenytoin (may require dose reduction)
- ·Phenobarbital and Clobazam (may require dose reduction)
- ·Lamotrigine and Carbamazepine (may require dose increase)
- ·Oral contraceptives (Xcopri may make birth control less effective; use a non-hormonal backup method)
- ·Other CNS depressants or alcohol (may increase sleepiness/drowsiness)
Special populations
PregnancyThere is a pregnancy registry for women taking anti-epileptic drugs like Xcopri. Animal studies showed risks to developing fetuses, such as increased mortality and lower birth weights. There is not enough data to know the exact risk to humans.
PediatricThe safety and effectiveness of Xcopri in children have not been established.
GeriatricThere isn't enough research on people aged 65 and older. Doctors may start older patients on a lower dose due to changes in liver, kidney, or heart function.
Talk to your doctor
Monitor
- ·Liver function (ALT, AST, bilirubin)
- ·Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- ·Heart rhythm (QT interval)
- ·Signs of multi-organ hypersensitivity (DRESS)
Questions to ask
- ·How will Xcopri affect my liver function?
- ·Should I change my birth control while taking Xcopri?
- ·What should I do if I feel suicidal while on this medication?
- ·How should I adjust my other seizure medications when starting Xcopri?
Pharmacokinetics
Practical
OverdoseThere is no specific antidote for an overdose. If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical help immediately. Standard medical care will focus on maintaining breathing and monitoring heart rate.
StorageInformation on specific storage temperature is not provided in the text.
Ingredients
Allergens
Inactive
Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.
