Key facts about Perampanel
What dosages is Perampanel available in?
Perampanel is available as a 2 mg, 4 mg, 6 mg, 8 mg, 10 mg, and 12 mg oral tablet and a 0.5 mg/mL oral suspension.
What is Perampanel used for?
Perampanel is an antiseizure medication that’s used to treat:
- Partial-onset seizures in people ages 4 years and older
- Generalized tonic-clonic seizures in people ages 12 years and older (add-on therapy to other seizure medications)
How does Perampanel work?
Perampanel is a non-competitive AMPA glutamate receptor antagonist. It’s thought to block glutamate from attaching to its receptors in the brain. Glutamate is a chemical in the brain that causes a lot of brain activity and plays a role in seizures. By stopping the actions of glutamate in the brain, Perampanel causes nerve cells to become less active, which helps prevent seizures.
How do I take Perampanel?
The typical starting dose of Perampanel is 2 mg by mouth once daily at bedtime. The maintenance dose ranges from 8 mg to 12 mg once daily.
Is it safe for me to take Perampanel?
Perampanel is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Perampanel Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Perampanel:
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Headache
- Feeling irritable
- Tiredness
- Falls
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty with movement or coordination
Perampanel Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Perampanel. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Serious allergic and skin reactions: fever, fatigue, rash, hives, peeling skin, swollen lymph nodes
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Perampanel
The following medications may interact with Perampanel:
- Contraceptives
- CYP3A4 Inducers like carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, and phenytoin
Who makes Perampanel?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Perampanel safe in pregnancy?
Based on animal data, Perampanel may cause fetal harm. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have plans on becoming pregnant. They will recommend what is best for you.
