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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) |
|
Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Epictal is used -
Moderate
Mild
Common
Is the use of Epictal safe for pregnant women?
Pregnant women may experience moderate side effects from Epictal. It is best to stop taking Epictal immediately and inform your doctor if you notice any discomfort.
Is the use of Epictal safe during breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding women can take Epictal as it bears very minor side effects for them.
What is the effect of Epictal on the Kidneys?
Epictal rarely harms the kidneys.
What is the effect of Epictal on the Liver?
Epictal may have mild side effects on the liver. Most people will never see any effect on the liver.
What is the effect of Epictal on the Heart?
Epictal is not harmful for 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, there is no any evidence that Epictal is addictive.
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?
You may feel sleepy or tired after taking Epictal. So it is best to avoid driving.
Is it safe?
Epictal is safe but it is important to consult a doctor before taking it.
Is it able to treat mental disorders?
Yes, taking Epictal can treat mental disorders.
Interaction between Food and Epictal
Taking Epictal with food does not harm your health.
Interaction between Alcohol and Epictal
Taking alcohol with Epictal can be dangerous.
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.
Epictal may be used in combination with other drugs such as haloperidol to treat bipolar disorders. Clinical studies have found that it offers potential benefits in treating bipolar disorders but more data is needed to confirm these results.
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.
No, Epictal is a prescription drug, so do not take it without consulting a doctor. It can be harmful for the patient to take this medicine without a doctor's advice because it can cause very unpleasant side effects. Hence, the patient should seek doctors advice before taking this medication by himself or herself.
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.
This medicine data has been created by -
B.Pharma, Pharmacy
5 Years of Experience