Let's learn about Brivaracetam pills? What you need to know about this epilepsy drug

Do you or someone in your family have epilepsy? If so, your doctor may have prescribed you a medication called Brivaracetam. This medication is most commonly found in Sri Lanka under the brand name BRIVIACT. So, today we will talk very simply and politely about what this medication is, what it actually does, and what we need to be careful about when using it.

What really happens with this medicine?

Simply put, Brivaracetam is a drug that is used to prevent and control seizures caused by epilepsy. Electrical signals are exchanged between nerve cells in our brain. In a person with epilepsy, this electrical activity in the brain sometimes becomes too much, as if it is 'overloaded'. That is when seizures occur. This drug works by calming those overactive nerves. That is, it helps to keep the electrical activity in the brain at a normal level. This is how seizures are controlled.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she will need to know your complete medical history. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell them about them.

How should I use this medicine?

It is very important to use this medicine correctly.

• Take this pill with a glass of water .
• Try to take your medicine at the same time every day , exactly as your doctor prescribed. This will help maintain consistent levels of the medicine in your body.
• Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
• You can take this before or after meals . However, if you experience stomach upset or nausea after taking the medicine, it is best to take it with food.
• The most important thing is, do not stop taking this medicine until your doctor tells you to. Even if you feel better, stopping the medicine suddenly can cause your seizures to come back or worsen.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

We can sometimes miss a dose. If that happens, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember (for example, it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two pills at once to make up for the missed dose.

What if I take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. This medicine has been prescribed for you only, so do not share it with others.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

Some things can interact with this medicine and affect its effectiveness or side effects. So be especially careful with the following things.

• Alcohol :Drinking alcohol can increase the side effects of this medication, such as dizziness and drowsiness. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcohol completely while taking the medication.
• Other medications: Some medications may interact with this medicine. For example:
• Carbamazepine (another antiepileptic)
• Phenytoin (another antiepileptic)
• Rifampin (an antibiotic for tuberculosis)

Things to keep in mind when taking medication

While taking this medicine, be aware of these things for your safety and well-being.

• Driving and hazardous activities: This medicine may affect your balance, reaction time, and decision-making ability. Therefore, avoid hazardous activities that require alertness and balance , such as driving, working at heights, and operating machinery, until your body adjusts to this medicine.
• Dizziness and lightheadedness: Some people may experience dizziness and lightheadedness. To reduce this, stand up slowly when getting up from a sitting position or getting out of bed.
• Medical tests : The doctor will tell you to come in for check-ups on scheduled dates. Be sure to go on those dates to discuss your condition. Also, tell him if your symptoms are getting worse or not.
• Pay attention to your mental health (this is very important!): Like some medications for epilepsy, this medication can affect your mental state in some people. Be aware of any new or worsening changes in your mood, behavior, or thoughts . For example:
• The onset or increase of sadness and hopelessness (depression).
• Thoughts of suicide.
• Increased anxiety, restlessness, irritability, and anger.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this medicine can have side effects. But these do not happen to everyone. Let's break them down into two categories.

How should you store the medicine?

• Keep out of reach of children and pets .
• This medicine may be misused by some, so keep it in a safe place to protect it from theft .
• Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
• Throw away expired medication .
• It is important to properly dispose of unused and expired medications. Some pharmacies have programs that accept old medications. Alternatively, take the pills out of the bottle, mix them with something like coffee grounds or soil, put them in a bag, seal it tightly, and throw them in the trash. Do not flush them down the toilet unless the medication label instructs you otherwise.

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