Drug Notes

Brivaracetam (By mouth)

Brivaracetam (briv-a-RA-se-tam)

Treats seizures.

Brand Name(s):

Briviact

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Tablets: Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid . Throw away any unused oral liquid 5 months after you open the bottle for the first time.

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 brivaracetam works. Tell your doctor if you are using carbamazepine, phenytoin, or rifampin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease or a history of depression or mental health problems.
• This medicine may cause depression, thoughts of suicide, or changes in mood or behavior. Tell your doctor right away if you start to feel more depressed or think about hurting yourself.
• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or clumsy. 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. Your seizures may return or occur more often if you stop using this medicine suddenly.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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
• Dizziness, problems with balance, coordination, or walking
• Extreme sleepiness, tiredness, or weakness
• Unusual changes in mood or behavior, depression, thoughts of hurting yourself

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

Last Updated: 1/27/2017