Brivaracetam is used to treat seizures
(epilepsy).
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist
before you start taking brivaracetam and each time you get a refill. If you
have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. The dosage is based on your
medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be
taking. Children's dosage is also based on age and weight. Be sure to tell
your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including
prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal
products).
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush or chew because
the drug has a bitter taste.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication,
measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/cup. Do not use
a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each
day.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting
your doctor. Your seizures may become worse when this drug is suddenly
stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Tell your doctor if your seizures do not get better or
if they get worse.
Drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, or nausea/vomiting may
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
A small number of people who take anticonvulsants for
any condition (such as seizure, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience
depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood problems. Tell
your doctor right away if you or your family/caregiver notice any
unusual/sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior such as signs of
depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, thoughts about harming
yourself.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- loss of coordination
- rapid/uncontrollable eye movements
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking brivaracetam, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver disease
- mental/mood disorders (such as depression)
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or
marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely.
Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug
is:
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: slow
heartbeat, loss of coordination.
Do not share this medication with others. Sharing it is
against the law.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count)
may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. For the liquid form, once the bottle is
opened, the medication expires after 5 months. Keep all medications away
from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).