Perampanel

Like all medicines, this medication may cause some possible side effects but not everyone experiences them. Consult your healthcare professional if any of the side effects lasts more than a few days or become severe and bothersome.

The common side effects of perampanel include:

• Dizziness, unsteady movements
• Get up slowly from sitting or lying down position
• Drowsiness, fatigue
• Avoid driving, operating machinery or engaging in strenuous physical activities
• Avoid taking over-the-counter medications (such as cold or allergy medications) that could also add on to the drowsiness, refer to a healthcare professional if needed
• Headache
• Use of paracetamol can help to relieve headache
• Unusual behavioral changes such as anxiety, irritability, aggression

If the following serious side effects happen, you should go to the emergency department:

• Skin rash, itchy or peeling skin
• Worsening aggression or hostility

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following and requires an emergency department visit:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Inform your healthcare professionals if you have the following medical conditions before starting on perampanel:

• Kidney problems
• Liver problems
• Any illnesses with symptoms of psychiatric and/or suicidal ideation
• Drug allergies to perampanel

For women: Tell your doctor if you are currently or intending to get pregnant and/or breastfeeding.

Consult your healthcare professional immediately if your seizures get worse or become different after you start on this medication.

​Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.

Perampanel may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, injections, implants or intrauterine devices). Discuss with your healthcare professionals regarding birth control while on perampanel.

Please consult your healthcare professionals before using any other medications, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal products. 

​Follow the instructions on your medicine label and take the medicine as prescribed by your doctor. You may take this medication with or without food.

You may not experience any effect immediately after starting the medication as it may take up to a few weeks before this medication can exert its full effects. You should continue to take your medicines regularly as instructed by your doctor even if you feel well. Stopping your medicines without informing your healthcare professionals may cause your condition to become worse quickly.

Do not stop taking or adjust the dose of this medication without consulting your healthcare professionals. Do not change brands or dosage forms of the medication without informing your healthcare professional.

​If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose. 

​Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.