Perampanel
About Perampanel
Perampanel belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants or anti-epileptics used to treat epilepsy. Epilepsy is a sudden rush of electricity in the brain. In epilepsy, the brain's electrical rhythms become imbalanced, resulting in recurrent seizures, sometimes leading unconscious state.
Perampanel contains 'Perampanel'. It prevents seizures or epilepsy by blocking a receptor in the brain known as the glutamate receptor, thereby suppressing the brain's abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells.
In some cases, Perampanel may cause common side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, increased or decreased appetite, weight gain, fatigue, and nausea. 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.
Perampanel is not recommended during pregnancy and in children below four years. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Perampanel may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Perampanel as it could lead to increased dizziness and drowsiness. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience suicidal tendencies. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Perampanel
Medicinal Benefits
Perampanel belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants or anti-epileptics. Perampanel contains perampanel. It is used to treat epilepsy. Perampanel prevents seizures or epilepsy by blocking a receptor in the brain known as the glutamate receptor, thereby suppressing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Perampanel
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Weight gain
- Feeling aggressive, angry, irritable, anxious or confused
- Fatigue
- Nausea
Drug Warnings
Do not take Perampanel if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor before taking Perampanel if you have serious liver problems, moderate or severe kidney problems, alcoholism, or drug dependence. Perampanel is not recommended during pregnancy and in children below 4 years. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Perampanel may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Perampanel as it could lead to increased dizziness and drowsiness. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Perampanel may interact with medicines used to control seizures/ abnormal excitement in the brain (eslicarbazepine acetate, rufinamide, clobazam, topiramate), and medicine used to treat pain, muscle stiffness and tightness (baclofen).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Perampanel.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have suicidal tendencies, elevated triglycerides, liver disease, and kidney dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Perampanel as it may increase dizziness and sleepiness.
Pregnancy
cautionPerampanel is not recommended during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known if Perampanel passes into breast milk. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
unsafePerampanel causes drowsiness, sleepiness and tiredness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Consult your doctor before taking Perampanel if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this. Avoid taking Perampanel if you have serious liver problems.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Consult your doctor before taking Perampanel if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this. Avoid taking Perampanel if you have moderate or serious kidney problems.
Children
cautionPerampanel is not recommended for children below four years. The safety and effectiveness have not been established in children below 4 years of age for partial seizures and below 7 years of age for generalised seizures.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Meditation and yoga can help lower stress, decrease pain sensitivity and improves coping skills.
Exercising regularly helps in maintaining weight and improving overall health.
Rest well, and get plenty of sleep.
Prepare your living area; small changes may help reduce the risk of physical injury during a seizure.
Understand what triggers seizures and try reducing or avoiding them.
Please pay attention to overall health, as it can help reduce seizure activity.
Have a seizure response plan, and help those around you know what to do.
Install an alarm or emergency device to get assistance during a seizure attack.
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 the generation of energy.
Atkins diet (high fat and controlled carbohydrates) is recommended for adolescents and adults.
Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
Close monitoring of lipid profile is recommended during treatment with Perampanel.
Consult your doctor immediately if you experience suicidal tendencies.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Epilepsy: It is a neurological/central nervous system disorder in which the brain's electrical pattern is disrupted by sudden electrical impulses that affect an individual’s consciousness, movements, or sensations. Possible causes include high fever, trauma, genetic disorder, brain injury or stroke.
FAQs
Perampanel is used to treat epilepsy/seizures.
Perampanel prevents seizures by blocking a receptor in the brain known as the glutamate receptor, thereby suppressing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
Do not discontinue Perampanel without consulting your doctor. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Perampanel for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Perampanel; your doctor will reduce the dose gradually to avoid precipitating seizures.
Avoid conceiving while on treatment with Perampanel as it is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Use a reliable method of contraception during treatment with Perampanel and for one month after the last dose of Perampanel.
Perampanel might make certain hormonal contraceptives, such as levonorgestrel less effective, affecting contraception. Therefore, you are advised to use other forms of contraception such as coil or condom while on treatment with Perampanel. Discuss with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Perampanel may cause weight gain, so try to maintain a proper weight by following a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
Perampanel has a potential for abuse and dependence. It is a controlled substance, and long-term use can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms when stopped.
When taking Perampanel, it's important to be aware of the potential side effects. While rare, these can include suicidal thoughts and behavior, severe allergic reactions, and serious psychiatric events like aggression, agitation, and hallucinations. Additionally, Perampanel may increase the risk of seizures, especially in people with a history of seizure disorders. However, by being mindful of these possibilities and working closely with your healthcare team, you can minimize risks and maximize the benefits of this medication.
When stopping Perampanel, withdrawal symptoms may occur. These can include insomnia (difficulty sleeping), nausea, headache, dizziness, irritability, anxiety, agitation, aggressive behavior, hallucinations, confusion, and seizures (in people with a history of seizure disorders). If you're considering stopping Perampanel, it's essential to consult your doctor for guidance and support to manage the process and ensure your safety.
While taking Perampanel, avoiding certain activities and substances is crucial to ensure your safety. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery, as Perampanel can cause drowsiness and sedation. Also, avoid consuming alcohol and other central nervous system depressants, as they can worsen these effects. Additionally, avoid stopping the medication suddenly, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Following your doctor's guidance and advice is vital while taking Perampanel.
No, do not stop taking Perampanel on your own. Stopping it suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Consult your healthcare provider before stopping Perampanel or changing your dosage.
The common side effects of Perampanel may include blurred or double vision, constipation, decreased sense of touch or sensation, dizziness or a sense of spinning, drowsiness, headache, irritability, muscle, back, or joint pain, nausea, problems with coordination, tiredness, vomiting, and weight gain.
Perampanel is not recommended during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult the doctor for further assistance.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system and is characterized by recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. These seizures can disrupt consciousness, movement, sensation, or other bodily functions. Possible causes of epilepsy include high fever, trauma, genetic disorders, brain injury, or stroke.
