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Epictal is a prescription medicine that is available as a Tablet. It is typically used for the treatment of Epilepsy. The alternative uses of Epictal have also been explained below.
The optimal dosage of Epictal is largely dependent on the individual's body weight, medical history, gender and age. Individual symptoms and route of administration also determines the right dosage. For detailed information on this, read through the dosage section.
The side effects typically associated with Epictal include Fatigue, Headache, Drowsiness. Some other side effects of Epictal have been listed ahead. Usually, these side effects of Epictal go away soon, and do not persist beyond the duration of the treatment. If, however, they worsen or do not go away, please speak with your physician.
Epictal's effect during pregnancy is Moderate and Mild while nursing. In addition, Epictal's effects on the liver, heart and kidney are discussed below in the Epictal related warnings section.
Other conditions have been mentioned below in the Epictal contraindications section.
Besides this, Epictal may also have severe interaction with some medicines. A complete list of these interactions is given below.
In addition to the above precautions for Epictal, it is important to know that it is not safe while driving, and is not habit-forming.
Epictal is used to treat the following -
This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.
Find the right dosage based on disease and age
Age Group | Dosage |
Adult |
|
Geriatric |
|
13 - 18 years (Adolescent) |
|
2 - 12 years (Child) |
|
Is the use of Epictal safe for pregnant women?
Epictal can have harmful effects in pregnant women. If you experience any discomfort after using Epictal, then discontinue the use and take your doctor's advice.
Is the use of Epictal safe during breastfeeding?
Epictal may have very limited harmful effects for breastfeeding women.
What is the effect of Epictal on the Kidneys?
Epictal rarely harms the kidneys.
What is the effect of Epictal on the Liver?
Epictal is rarely harmful for the liver.
What is the effect of Epictal on the Heart?
Using Epictal does not have any harmful effects on the heart.
Epictal should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -
Moderate
If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Epictal unless your doctor advises you to do so -
Is this Epictal habit forming or addictive?
No, you will not get addicted to Epictal.
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?
After taking Epictal you may feel sleepy. So it is not advised to perform these activities.
Is it safe?
Yes, Epictal is safe but you must consult your doctor before taking it.
Is it able to treat mental disorders?
Yes, in many cases, taking Epictal can help with mental disorders.
Interaction between Food and Epictal
It is safe to take Epictal with food.
Interaction between Alcohol and Epictal
Consuming Epictal with alcohol can have many serious effects on your body.
Yes, Epictal might cause constipation. It is a rare side effect of this drug and the exact cause behind constipation is unknown. If you are experiencing constipation after taking this drug then try to take laxative such as Isabgol and eat less spicy highly fibrous food.
Epictal may be used to treat absence seizures. Scientific studies have found that medicine is effective in decreasing the frequency of absence seizures. However, more studies are needed to confirm its efficacy in the treatment of absence seizures.
Yes, Epictal and gabapentin can be taken together because no harmful drug interaction has been reported between them. Hence, it is safe to take Epictal along with gabapentin.
Epictal contains levetiracetam which is an anti-epileptic agent. The exact mechanism for antiepileptic activity is not known but it is presumed that Epictal works by preventing the release of chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) in the brain by binding to specific proteins (synaptic vesicle protein). It indirectly helps in increasing the activity of inhibitory neurotransmitter (GABA) which prevents the abnormal activity in the brain. In this way Epictal prevents from the seizures.
Rarely, Epictal cause hair loss. However, the exact cause of hair loss is unknown but it is presumed that this drug causes temporary thinning of hairs. Hair loss induced by this drug is reversible in nature and it goes away after discontinuation of this drug.
This medicine data has been created by -
B.Pharma, Pharmacy
5 Years of Experience
References
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; Keppra® (levetiracetam)
April Hazard Vallerand, Cynthia A. Sanoski. [link]. Sixteenth Edition. Philadelphia, China: F. A. Davis Company; 2019: Page No 765-767
KD Tripathi. [link]. Seventh Edition. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2013: Page No 420