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Epictal 500 MG Tablet

Manufactured byIpca Laboratories Pvt. Ltd.
Description
Epictal 500 MG Tablet is a medicine used in the treatment of epilepsy (a condition in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed causing fits). It works by reducing the abnormal excitation of brain cells and helps in preventing seizures (fits). Epictal 500 MG Tablet may cause common side effects such as dizziness, sleepiness, headache, diarrhoea, indigestion, tiredness, etc. Consult your doctor if these symptoms persist or become severe. Epictal 500 MG Tablet should be taken exactly as advised by your doctor. Take it at the same time every day for the ease of remembering. Do not skip doses or discontinue the treatment abruptly as it may worsen your condition. Your doctor may suggest gradual dose reduction over a period. Epictal 500 MG Tablet should be avoided if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if you have kidney or heart problems before taking this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines before starting the treatment to avoid any undesired effects. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding consult your doctor before taking this medication.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Epictal 500 MG Tablet

  • Common Cold
  • Sleepiness
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Anxiety and nervousness
  • Dizziness
  • Lack of energy
  • Cough
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhoea
  • Indigestion
  • Nausea or Vomiting
  • Rash
  • Tiredness
  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Mood swings
  • Vision disturbances
  • Increased liver enzyme levels
  • Hair loss
  • Muscle pain

Uses of Epictal 500 MG Tablet

What is it prescribed for?

  • Epilepsy
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Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • How long does it take for this medicine to take effect?
    The time taken for Epictal 500 MG Tablet to show its effect is not clinically known.
  • How long do the effects of this medicine last?
    The effect of Epictal 500 MG Tablet lasts for an average duration of 2 days.
  • Is it safe to consume alcohol while taking this medicine?
    Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with Epictal 500 MG Tablet due to the increased risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty in concentration, etc. Avoid activities that require mental alertness if you experience these symptoms after taking Epictal 500 MG Tablet.
  • Is this a habit forming medicine?
    No habit-forming tendencies have been reported with Epictal 500 MG Tablet.
  • Can this medicine be taken during pregnancy?
    Epictal 500 MG Tablet should not be used during pregnancy unless necessary. Hence, if you are pregnant consult your doctor to understand the potential risk and benefits before taking the medicine.
  • Can this medicine be taken while breast-feeding?
    Epictal 500 MG Tablet is not recommended while breastfeeding as it passes into the breastmilk. Hence, consult your doctor If you are breastfeeding.

Allergy

Avoid taking Epictal 500 MG Tablet if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

Epictal 500 MG Tablet should not be used during pregnancy unless necessary. Hence, if you are pregnant consult your doctor to understand the potential risk and benefits before taking the medicine.

Breast-feeding

Epictal 500 MG Tablet is not recommended while breastfeeding as it passes into the breastmilk. Hence, consult your doctor If you are breastfeeding.
General warnings

Suicidal tendency

Epictal 500 MG Tablet should be used with caution due to the increased risk of suicidal thoughts. Close observation for any change in mood or behaviour is necessary while taking Epictal 500 MG Tablet. Report any mood changes to your doctor immediately.

Low blood cell count

Epictal 500 MG Tablet may cause a decrease in blood cell count. Hence your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your blood cell count while you are taking this medicine. Inform your doctor if you experience fever and/or recurrent infections.

Driving and operating machines

Epictal 500 MG Tablet may increase your risk of dizziness and sleepiness. Avoid performing activities such as driving vehicles or operating machines if you experience these symptoms after taking this medicine.

Use in children

Epictal 500 MG Tablet is not recommended for use in children below 6 years of age. Other oral formulations such as syrup should be considered.

QT interval prolongation

Epictal 500 MG Tablet may increase the risk of QT interval prolongation, a heart condition with an irregular heartbeat. Hence, this medicine should be used with caution if you have conditions such as QT interval prolongation or other pre-existing heart problems.

Missed Dose

Try not to skip a dose of Epictal 500 MG Tablet. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double the dose to compensate for a missed one.

Overdose

Do not take excess dose than prescribed by your doctor. Contact your doctor if you suspect an overdose with Epictal 500 MG Tablet.
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 is not recommended during treatment with Epictal 500 MG Tablet due to the increased risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty in concentration, etc. Avoid activities that require mental alertness if you experience these symptoms after taking Epictal 500 MG Tablet.
Interaction with Medicine

Cetirizine

Nortriptyline

Alprazolam

Tramadol

Carbamazepine

Hydroxyzine

Fluoxetine

Disease interactions

Kidney impairment

Epictal 500 MG Tablet should be used with caution if you have pre-existing kidney problems due to the increased risk of severe side effects. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your kidney function and may recommend dose adjustments based on your condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Epictal 500 MG Tablet with or without food. Do not take more or less than the prescribed dose. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor. Epictal 500 MG Tablet may increase your risk of suicidal thoughts. Consult your doctor if you experience any changes in mood or behaviour. Epictal 500 MG Tablet may alter your blood cell count and liver enzyme levels. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your blood cell count and liver enzyme levels during treatment with this medicine. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Epictal 500 MG Tablet as it may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid driving vehicles or operating machines if you experience symptoms that may affect your alertness after taking Epictal 500 MG Tablet.
Miscelleneous

Can be taken with or without food, as advised by your doctor

To be taken as instructed by doctor

May cause sleepiness

How it works
Epictal 500 MG Tablet works by inhibiting the abnormal excitation of brain cells and helps in preventing seizures (fits).
Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Approved

Approved

Classification

Category

Anticonvulsants, Anti-epileptics

Schedule

Schedule H

Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Levetiracetam 500 mg film-coated tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 14 September 2021].

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/3073/smpc>

Drugs, H., 2021. Levetiracetam: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 14 September 2021].

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699059.html>

Medicines.org.uk. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 14 September 2021].

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3073.pdf>

Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 14 September 2021].

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/021035s078s080,021505s021s024lbl.pdf>
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Information on this page was last updated on 7 Dec 2021

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