Brivaracetam
About
Brivaracetam belongs 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.
Brivaracetam contains '‘Brivaracetam' that reduces the electrical impulses and subsequent firing of the nerve impulses that cause fits. Thus, Brivaracetam decreases the brain's excessive and abnormal nerve activity, thereby controlling seizures.
Brivaracetam should be used as prescribed by the doctor. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as somnolence (excess sleepiness), dizziness, fatigue (feeling overtired), nausea and vomiting. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Brivaracetam for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Brivaracetam should be gradually withdrawn, so please do not stop taking Brivaracetam without consulting your doctor. Before taking the Brivaracetam, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and all medications you are using. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. You should not breastfeed unless the doctor advises. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience suicidal tendencies. It is recommended not to drive or operate machinery as Brivaracetam may cause tiredness and fatigue. It is recommended not to take alcoholic beverages while on Brivaracetam therapy.
Uses of Brivaracetam
Medicinal Benefits
Brivaracetam belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants or anti-epileptics used to control partial-onset seizures in the treatment of epilepsy (fits). Brivaracetam consists of ‘Brivaracetam' that works by reducing the electrical impulses and subsequent firing of the nerve impulses that cause fits. Brivaracetam decreases the excessive and abnormal nerve activity in the brain, thereby helping in controlling seizures.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Brivaracetam
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
- Fatigue
- Asthenia (weakness)
- Malaise (General discomfort)
- Hypersomnia (Excessive sleepiness)
- Sedation
- Lethargy (a lack of energy)
- Dizziness
- Vertigo (Spinning sensation)
- Balance disorder
- Ataxia (Impaired coordination)
- Nystagmus (Involuntary eye movement)
- Gait disturbance (a manner of walking or moving on foot)
- Abnormal coordination
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking the Brivaracetam, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, allergic conditions, and all medications you are using. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Brivaracetam, call your doctor. You should not breastfeed unless the doctor advises. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience suicidal tendencies or feel it worsens your condition. It is recommended not to drive or operate machinery as Brivaracetam may cause tiredness and fatigue. It is recommended not to take alcoholic beverages while on Brivaracetam therapy. Do not stop Brivaracetam without first talking to a healthcare provider. Stopping the usage of Brivaracetam suddenly can cause serious problems. Sometimes, it may lead to seizures that will not stop (status epilepticus).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Brivaracetam may interact with other anticonvulsants (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, levetiracetam), antibiotics (e.g. rifampin), opioid analgesics (e.g. buprenorphine, propoxyphene), anaesthetics (e.g. ketamine/esketamine) and medications are used to treat narcolepsy (e.g. sodium oxybate)
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Brivaracetam as it might cause increased dizziness and sleepiness.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Brivaracetam may interact with disease various conditions, including liver/kidney impairment, suicidal tendency or ideation and lactose intolerance.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeIt is unsafe to consume alcohol since it may worsen the side effects like dizziness and sleepiness.
Pregnancy
cautionThere are no adequate and well-controlled studies on pregnant women. Inform your doctor before receiving the Brivaracetam if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere has been no significant research on using Brivaracetam in breastfeeding/nursing moms. So, let your doctor know if you are a nursing mother before taking Brivaracetam; your doctor will decide whether Brivaracetam can be taken by breastfeeding mothers.
Driving
unsafeBrivaracetam may cause somnolence (excess sleepiness) and fatigue (feeling overtired). It impacts your daily activities; hence avoid driving in such situations. Seek medical attention if the symptoms persist longer.
Liver
cautionDose adjustments may be needed. So inform your doctor before receiving the Brivaracetam if you have a history of liver impairments.
Kidney
cautionBrivaracetam is not recommended to be used in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing dialysis. Inform your doctor before receiving the Brivaracetam if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions.
Children
safe if prescribedYour doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- A ketogenic diet (low in carbohydrates and high in fats) is recommended for children with epilepsy. This diet helps utilise fat instead of glucose for energy generation.
- Atkins diet (high fat and controlled carbohydrates) is recommended for adolescents and adults.
- Exercising regularly helps in maintaining weight and improving overall health.
- Rest well, and get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Meditation and yoga can help lower stress, decrease pain sensitivity and improves coping skills.
- Have a seizure response plan, and help those around you know what to do.
- Prepare your living area; small changes may reduce the risk of physical injury during a seizure.
- Understand what triggers seizures are and try reducing or avoiding them.
- Please pay attention to overall health, as it can help reduce seizure activity.
- Install an alarm or emergency device to get assistance during a seizure attack.
Special Advise
- Pay close attention to any changes in mood, behaviour, thoughts, or feelings, especially if they are sudden.
- Maintain all scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare practitioner.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Partial-onset seizures: 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, Hallucinations, uncontrolled head or eye movements, rapid heart rate, and a tingling sensation on the skin. The symptoms vary in each patient depending on the part of the brain affected.
FAQs
Brivaracetam contains Brivaracetam, an antiepileptic that attaches itself to specific sites (SV2A) on nerve cell surfaces. This activity may suppress the brain's abnormal activity and prevents the spread of electrical signals that cause seizures.
No, Brivaracetam should not be stopped even if you start feeling better. Suddenly stopping the Brivaracetam may cause continuous seizures, which can be difficult to control. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Brivaracetam for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Brivaracetam, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose to avoid precipitating seizures.
Brivaracetam may cause suicidal thoughts such as killing or harming yourself. People taking Brivaracetam should be closely monitored for suicidal thoughts or behaviour. Speak with your doctor immediately if you need to.
Pay close attention to any changes in mood, behaviour, thoughts, or feelings, especially if they are sudden.
In rare cases, Brivaracetam may cause behavioural reactions, including psychotic symptoms, irritability, depression, aggressive behaviour, and anxiety. If you experience such symptoms, report to the doctor immediately.
