Brivaracetam
Description
Brivaracetam is an anticonvulsant which is used to control partial-onset seizures in patients with epilepsy. This medicine can be used in adults, adolescents, and children above 4 years of age.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Brivaracetam
- Decreased appetite
- Depression
- Irritability
- Sleeplessnes
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Fatigue
Uses of Brivaracetam
What is it prescribed for?
- Partial onset seizures
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe time taken by this medicine to show its effect is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe time taken by this medicine to remain active in the body is not completely understood.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it can result in dizziness and difficulty in concentration. It is advised that you do not perform any activities such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you experience any of these symptoms.
- Is it habit forming?Habit forming tendency has been reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/receiving this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/receiving this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to brivaracetam, or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/receiving this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/receiving this medicine.
General warnings
Suicidal tendency
Use of this medicine may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavioral changes. Close monitoring of signs of behavioral changes and suicidal thoughts is necessary while receiving this medicine. It should be used with caution and appropriate dose adjustments should be done in patients suffering from depression.
Hypersensitivity reactions
This medicine may cause allergic reactions including bronchospasm and angioedema in some patients. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Use in children
The parenteral form of this medicine is not recommended for use in children below 16 years of age and oral form of this medicine is not recommended for use in children below 4 years of age since the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established.
Driving and operating machinery
Use of this medicine may cause tiredness, fatigue, drowsiness or dizziness in some patients. It is advised that you do not perform any activities such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with this medicine.
Missed Dose
Oral: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Injection: Since this medicine is usually administered by a qualified healthcare professional in the clinical/hospital setting, the likelihood of a missed dose is very low.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it can result in dizziness and difficulty in concentration. It is advised that you do not perform any activities such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you experience any of these symptoms.
Interaction with Medicine
Divalproex
Tramadol
Propoxyphene
Alprazolam
Cetirizine
Phenytoin
Anti-tubercular drugs
Disease interactions
Liver impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with liver function impairment due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of liver function is recommended for such patients during treatment with this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Oral: Take this medicine with or without food. Do not take in larger amounts than advised. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable effects. Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor as it may cause withdrawal symptoms.
Injection: This medicine is usually administered in the clinical/hospital setting under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor. Inform the doctor if you have a known allergy to this medicine. Report all your current medicines as well as your medical conditions to the doctor before receiving this medicine.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It works by binding to certain receptors in the brain and inhibits the excitation of brain cells.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Anticonvulsants
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2019 [cited 4 June 2019]. Available from:
Brivaracetam - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2019 [cited 4 June 2019]. Available from:
Brivaracetam: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2019 [cited 4 June 2019]. Available from:
DailyMed - Briviact- brivaracetam tablet, film coated BRIVIACT- brivaracetam solution BRIVIACT- brivaracetam injection, suspension [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [cited 4 June 2019]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 4 Jun 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.