Description
Brivaracetam Tablets come under the brand name “BRIVATIL-100” and belong to a group of medications called ‘anti-convulsants’. It is used for treating partial-onset seizures (seizures involving only one part of the brain) in people with epilepsy (fits) in patients one month of age and older. Partial-onset seizures are characterized by abnormal electrical activity in only one brain hemisphere. Common symptoms are involuntary muscle contractions, followed by relaxation on one side of the body, uncontrolled head or eye movements, rapid heart rate, and a tingling sensation on the skin. It contains ‘‘Brivaracetam’ that reduces the electrical impulses and subsequent firing of the nerve impulses that cause fits. Thus, this tablet decreases the brain’s excessive and abnormal nerve activity, thereby controlling seizures.
Medical Benefits
- Brivaracetam Tablets are used to control partial-onset seizures in the treatment of epilepsy (fits).
- It consists of ‘Brivaracetam’ that works by reducing the electrical impulses and subsequent firing of the nerve impulses that cause fits.
- It helps in decreasing the excessive and abnormal nerve activity in the brain, thereby helping in controlling seizures.
Direction of Use
- Usually taken Orally
- Take the prescribed dose at the same time each day.
- Swallow it as a whole with water.
- Don’t break, crush or chew it.
- Please take Brivaracetam Tablets in the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor based on specific medical conditions.
Side Effect
- Balance disorder
- Ataxia
- Nystagmus (Involuntary eye movement)
- Gait disturbance (a manner of walking or moving on foot)
- Malaise (General discomfort)
Storage
- Keep it away from sunlight.
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool and dry place.
Precautions
- Drinking alcohol while taking medication may aggravate negative side effects.
- If you have a history of liver impairments, inform your doctor before taking the Brivaracetam tablet.
- Brivaracetam Tablets are not recommended to be used in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing dialysis. Inform your doctor before receiving the tablet if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions.
- This medicine may interact with other anticonvulsants (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, levetiracetam), antibiotics (e.g. rifampin), opioid analgesics (e.g. buprenorphine, propoxyphene), etc.
- For children, doctors will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Side Effects
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
- Fatigue
- Asthenia (weakness)
- Malaise (General discomfort)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I stop taking this medicine if I feel well?
No, it should not be stopped even if you start feeling better. Suddenly stopping the medication may cause continuous seizures, which can be difficult to control. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking it for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking it, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose to avoid precipitating seizures.
Does this composition cause suicidal thoughts?
It may cause suicidal thoughts such as killing or harming yourself. People taking it should be closely monitored for suicidal thoughts or behaviour. Speak with your doctor immediately if you need to.
How can I detect early signs of suicidal thoughts and actions?
Pay close attention to any changes in mood, behaviour, thoughts, or feelings, especially if they are sudden.
Does this tablet cause behavioural changes?
In rare cases, it may cause behavioural reactions, including psychotic symptoms, irritability, depression, aggressive behaviour, and anxiety. If you experience such symptoms, report to the doctor immediately.