Briviact Tablet and Oral Solution (Brivaracetam)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Briviact Tablet and Oral Solution Used For?
Briviact contains the active ingredient brivaracetam and belongs to a group of medicines called antiepileptics. It helps control seizures when used alongside other epilepsy medications.
Primary Uses
Briviact is used in combination with other medicines to control epilepsy. Epilepsy is a condition where you have repeated seizures, which can range from mild to severe types.
How It Works
Briviact belongs to a group of medicines called antiepileptics that help control seizures, though the exact mechanism is not detailed in the source material.
Good to know: This medicine helps control your condition but does not cure it, so you must take it every day even if you feel well.
How to Take Briviact Tablet and Oral Solution
Your doctor will determine the right amount of Briviact for you based on your condition and other medicines you may be taking. Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Dosage Instructions
Take Briviact twice a day – once in the morning and once at night, at about the same time each day. It doesn’t matter if you take it before or after food. For tablets: swallow whole with water. For oral solution: use the provided syringe following the detailed instructions for measuring and taking the correct dose.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one, as this may increase your chance of side effects. Contact your doctor if you have missed one or more doses.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose, and do not stop taking this medicine suddenly or change the dosage unless your doctor tells you to.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- dizziness
- flu and upper respiratory tract infections
- cough
- nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting
- constipation
- feeling tired, drowsy or sleepy
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- spinning sensations
- thoughts of harming yourself
- feelings of depression, anxiety or nervousness
- feeling aggressive
- recurrent infections
- allergic reactions (shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching or hives)
- more frequent or more severe seizures
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before starting Briviact. Make sure to discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Briviact Tablet and Oral Solution
Do not use Briviact if you are allergic to brivaracetam or any of the ingredients listed. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine. Briviact is not recommended for children under 4 years of age.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver problems, or any other medical conditions. Also inform them if you take barbiturates (such as phenobarbitone) or other antiepileptic medicines (such as carbamazepine, lamotrigine or levetiracetam).
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Briviact may affect your developing baby if taken during pregnancy. However, controlling seizures during pregnancy is very important. Your doctor will weigh the risks and benefits to help decide if you should take it. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Mental Health Warning: Call your doctor immediately if you have thoughts of harming yourself, feelings of depression, anxiety, nervousness, or aggressive behavior.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Briviact and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
Contraception Note: Briviact does not interact with oral contraceptive pills, but other antiepileptic medicines you take with it might affect contraceptive effectiveness.
- rifampicin (used to treat tuberculosis)
- barbiturates such as phenobarbitone
- other antiepileptic medicines such as carbamazepine, lamotrigine or levetiracetam
Alcohol & Driving
Briviact can affect your ability to drive and may interact with alcohol, so special precautions are needed.
Alcohol
Combining Briviact with alcohol is not recommended. If you drink alcohol while taking Briviact, the negative effects of alcohol may be increased.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Briviact affects you. Briviact may cause dizziness in some people. If you feel dizzy or drowsy, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that could be dangerous.
Storage
Store tablets and oral solution in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C, away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on windowsills. Keep out of reach of children. For oral solution, dispose of any unused solution within 5 months of opening the bottle.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Briviact, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Symptoms may include feeling dizzy or drowsy. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you have no symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most antiepileptic medicines take time to work, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t feel better straight away. Continue taking your medicine as your doctor tells you to.
Yes, it doesn’t matter if you take Briviact before or after food. Take it at the same time each day for best results.
Do not stop taking Briviact suddenly as this may cause unwanted side effects or make your condition worse. Your doctor will slowly reduce your dose before you can stop taking it completely.
Combining Briviact with alcohol is not recommended. If you drink alcohol while taking Briviact, the negative effects of alcohol may be increased.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but do not take a double dose to make up for it. Contact your doctor if you have missed one or more doses.
Store the oral solution in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Dispose of any unused oral solution within 5 months of opening the bottle.
Briviact is not recommended for children under 4 years of age, as its safety and effectiveness has not been established in this age group.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.