Perampanel (By mouth)

per-AM-pa-nel

Treats seizures caused by epilepsy.

Drug classes

Anticonvulsant, Central Nervous System Agent (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Perampanel is used together with other medicines to treat certain types of epilepsy, such as partial onset seizures and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It works in the brain to prevent seizures. However, this medicine will not cure epilepsy and will only control the seizures as long as you continue to take it.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Tablet

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. This medicine should be taken at bedtime.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Call your doctor if you miss more than one dose of this medicine.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some medicines can affect how perampanel works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:

St John’s wort Carbamazepine Rifampin Oxcarbazepine Phenytoin

Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol. This medicine can increase the effects of alcohol or other medicines that make you sleepy.

When Not To Use

This medicine is generally considered safe for most people. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or mood problems.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Anger, aggression, hostility, or other mood or behavior changes Depression or suicidal thoughts An increased risk for falls

This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, unsteady, or less alert. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

Birth control pills that contain levonorgestrel may not work as well while you use this medicine. Use another form of birth control together with your pills. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Depression, nervousness, restlessness, trouble sleeping

Feeling aggressive, angry, hostile, irritable

Trouble walking, speaking, or controlling body movements

Unusual mood or behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

Headache or dizziness

Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Fycompa

There may be other brand names for this medicine.