Epictal 500 mg Tablet

Composition of Epictal 500 mg Tablet

Epictal 500 mg Tablet contains Levetiracetam (500mg). It belongs to the Anticonvulsant class of medicines.

Uses of Epictal 500 mg Tablet

• This medicine is used in the treatment of epilepsy
• seizures
• bipolar disorder and migraine prevention.

Key benefits

• Prevents seizures and allows a normal life
• Also stabilises mood and prevents migraine

How Epictal 500 mg Tablet works

Epictal 500 mg Tablet is antiepileptic medication. It works by attaching to specific sites (SV2A) on the surfaces of nerve cells. This suppresses the abnormal activity of the nerve cells in the brain and prevents the spread of electrical signals that cause seizures.

How to take Epictal 500 mg Tablet

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush or break it unless your doctor has told you to. Take it with or after food, at the same time each day. Taking it at about the same time each day helps you remember. Follow the dose and the duration written on your prescription.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the one you missed — never take two doses together to catch up.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause deep unconsciousness, slowed breathing and dangerous heart rhythm disturbance. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Epictal 500 mg Tablet

Most side effects of Epictal are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Sleepiness Irritability

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Epictal 500 mg Tablet

Warnings and precautions

Never stop or change an anti-epileptic on your own. Stopping abruptly can cause prolonged, dangerous seizures. Sodium valproate and divalproex must not be used by anyone who is pregnant or could become pregnant unless a specialist has confirmed there is no alternative — they cause serious birth defects and developmental problems. Effective contraception is essential. Seek urgent care for any rash, especially in the first weeks — a rash with fever, blistering or peeling can be life-threatening. Report yellowing of the eyes or skin, persistent vomiting, unusual bruising or severe tiredness at once. Tell your doctor about any change in mood or any thoughts of harming yourself. Take the same brand each time unless your neurologist has agreed to a change; switching can alter seizure control.

Do not take Epictal if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Valproate-containing medicines are contraindicated in pregnancy for epilepsy unless no alternative exists, and in all women of childbearing potential without a pregnancy prevention programme. Several are not suitable in significant liver disease.

Interactions with other medicines

This group interacts very widely, including with contraceptives, blood thinners and other anti-epileptics. Give your doctor a full list of what you take. Hormonal contraception may become unreliable — ask your doctor which method to use.

How to store Epictal 500 mg Tablet

Store below 30°C in the original pack, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Expert advice for Epictal 500 mg Tablet

Take it at the same times every day; a missed dose is a common trigger for a seizure. Keep a seizure diary and take it to your appointments. Tell your doctor before planning a pregnancy — the regimen may need to be changed well in advance. Do not drive until you meet the legal seizure-free period and your doctor agrees.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

IPCA LABORATORIES LTD`

Therapeutic class:

Anti-epileptic

Drug class:

Anticonvulsant