​Perampanel is used to control some types of seizures (commonly known as fits). Learn how to use the medication, side effects, special precautions, and more.

What is this medication for?

​Perampanel is used to control some types of seizures (commonly known as fits).

How should I take or use this medication?

• 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.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

​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.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding (remove if not needed).
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications, and herbal remedies.
• You have any medical conditions such as kidney or liver disease.
• You have any mental health conditions or mood problems.

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

IMPORTANT:
In some cases, this medication may cause the following changes to a person’s mental condition, especially in the first few weeks of treatment or during dose changes:

• New or worsening thoughts of harming yourself/others or ending your own or other’s life
• Worsening agitation, restlessness, violent behaviour, or
• Other changes in mood or behaviour

Please inform your doctor as soon as possible, or for your family or caregiver to inform your doctor if you are unable to seek treatment on your own.

Do not stop taking this medication on your own without discussing with your doctor.

It is important to note that your doctor has prescribed this medication as he/she feels you will benefit more from taking this medication over the possible risks (side effects) that it may cause. These side effects have a low chance of occurring, and most people take this medication without encountering any of such problems.

What are some common side effects of this medication?

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 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, feeling irritable and, aggression

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

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

Severe but rare skin reactions known as drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), which can be life-threatening or fatal, have been reported with Perampanel. Symptoms include fever, mouth ulcers, face swelling, blisters on skin, skin rashes that spread throughout the body within hours to days after the medication. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

​Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.

Perampanel may reduce the effects 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.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. 

How do I throw away this medication safely?

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

Disclaimer

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on April 2024.