Perampanel

Generic name: perampanel [ per-AM-pa-nel ]
Brand name: Fycompa
Dosage forms: oral suspension (0.5 mg/mL), oral tablet (10 mg; 12 mg; 2 mg; 4 mg; 6 mg; 8 mg)
Drug class: AMPA receptor antagonists

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 27, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is perampanel?

Perampanel is used to treat partial onset seizures that may or may not develop into general seizures in people with epilepsy who are at least 4 years old.

Perampanel is also used together with other medicines to treat tonic-clonic seizures in people with epilepsy who are at least 12 years old.

Perampanel may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Perampanel side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Tell your doctor right away if you have new or sudden changes in mood or behavior, including new or worse depression or anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, more active or talkative, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Perampanel may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe dizziness, vertigo (spinning sensation), feeling like you might pass out;

• trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination;

• severe drowsiness, feeling very weak or tired;

• a fall; or

• memory problems, confusion, hallucinations.

Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.

Common side effects of perampanel may include:

• headache, dizziness (vertigo), drowsiness, falls;

• tired feeling, anxiety, feeling irritable;

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;

• bruising;

• weight gain; or

• trouble with walking, loss of coordination.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking seizure medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you have any sudden changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts about suicide. Your family or caregivers should also watch for sudden changes in your behavior.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• a mood disorder or mental illness, psychosis;

• suicidal thoughts or actions;

• thoughts of hurting yourself or others;

• if you drink alcohol;

• drug addiction; or

• liver or kidney disease.

Some people have new or sudden changes in mood or behavior while taking perampanel. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your family or caregivers should also watch for sudden changes in your behavior. These effects may be more likely to occur when you first start taking perampanel, or whenever your dose is changed.

It is not known if perampanel will harm an unborn baby. Do not start or stop taking seizure medication during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Perampanel can make hormonal birth control less effective, including birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings. Use barrier birth control to prevent pregnancy: condom, diaphragm with spermicide, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge. Keep using this method for at least 1 month after your last dose.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of perampanel on the baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using perampanel.

How should I take perampanel?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Perampanel is usually taken once a day at bedtime. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Perampanel may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it or use it improperly. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid). Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Seizures may increase if you stop using perampanel suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.

Store tightly closed at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Throw away any leftover oral suspension (liquid) 90 days after you first opened the bottle.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss your perampanel dose for more than one day.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking perampanel?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how perampanel will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.

What other drugs will affect perampanel?

Using perampanel with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• birth control pills and other hormones;

• rifampin;

• St. John's wort;

• other seizure medicine--carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect perampanel. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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