Treatment of Epilepsy/Seizures

In Treatment of Epilepsy/Seizures Epicetam Injection belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants (or anti-epileptics). It works by slowing down electrical signals in the brain which cause seizures (fits). This medicine can be used to control various types of seizures—myoclonic partial-onset and primary generalized tonic-clonic (or grand mal). It can also help reduce symptoms such as confusion uncontrollable jerking movements loss of awareness and fear or anxiety. The medicine can allow you to do some activities that you would otherwise be forbidden or scared to do (such as swimming and driving). It can take a few weeks for this medicine to work (because the dose has to be increased slowly) and during this time you may still have seizures. You should continue taking it even if you feel well and are not having any seizures. Missing doses may trigger a seizure. Do not stop using this medicine until your doctor advises you.

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Epicetam Injection is an anti-epileptic medicine used to treat seizures (fits) in epilepsy. It can be used alone or along with other medicines. It helps to prevent seizures for as long as you continue to take it.Epicetam Injection is given as an infusion (slow drip) into a vein under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is generally used for short-term control of seizures when treatment with oral medication is not feasible (eg. when the patient is unconscious). You should continue taking it for as long as your doctor has told you to even if you feel well. If you stop or miss doses your seizures could get worse. Your doctor is likely to prescribe you oral medicines for long-term seizure control after treatment with this injection has been completed.Some common side effects of this medicine include dizziness headache infection irritation nasopharyngitis sleepiness aggressive behavior and decreased appetite. You may also experience behavioral changes aggressive behavior irritation agitation etc. Side effects are more common during the first few days and usually lessen as your body gets used to the medicine. Most of these side effects do not need medical attention but some of them can be serious. Let your doctor know right away if you have developed an allergic reaction (hives itching weakness dizziness difficulty in breathing or swelling of face tongue and throat) a skin rash or persistent behavioral changes like confusion forgetfulness feeling irritable increased aggression or hostility. There may be ways of preventing or reducing them. A small number of people being treated with this medicine have had thoughts of harming or killing themselves. Contact your doctor if your mood changes for the worse.Before taking it you should tell your doctor if you have kidney problems depression or suicidal thoughts and if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine as it may increase the risk of seizures and worsen the side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.  Drowsiness and dizziness may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Your kidney function may need to be tested periodically while taking this medicine.

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

- Alcohol : UNSAFE <p> It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Epicetam Injection. | - Pregnancy : CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR <p> Epicetam Injection may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor. | - Breast feeding : SAFE IF PRESCRIBED <p> Epicetam Injection is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.Monitor the baby for sleepiness and adequate weight gain. | - Driving : UNSAFE <p> Epicetam Injection may decrease alertness affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur. | - Kidney : CAUTION <p> Epicetam Injection should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Epicetam Injection may be needed. Please consult your doctor. | - Liver : SAFE IF PRESCRIBED <p> Epicetam Injection is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Epicetam Injection may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.However a lower dose may be advised in patients with severe liver disease.

If you miss a dose of Epicetam Injection get the injection as soon as possible. However if it is almost time for your next dose skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Chemical Class :: Pyrrolidinone & Acetamide Derivative|Habit Forming :: No|Therapeutic Class :: NEURO CNS|Action Class :: Synaptic vescicle 2 A protein ligand (AED)

Treatment of Epilepsy/Seizures

Sleepiness | Dizziness | Decreased appetite | Fatigue | Headache | Behavioral changes | Irritation | Aggressive behavior | Agitation | Infection | Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages)

UNSAFE

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

UNSAFE

CAUTION

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Q. Will the use of Epicetam Injection affect my fertility?::: Epicetam Injection is not known to affect fertility in males or females. However talk to your doctor if you are facing fertility issues during the treatment with this medicine.| Q. Can the use of Epicetam Injection cause sleepiness?::: Yes Epicetam Injection can make you feel sleepy. Therefore during the initial phase of treatment avoid driving operating machinery working at heights or participating in potentially dangerous activities until you know how this medicine affects you.| Q. I have gained weight since I started taking Epicetam Injection. Is it because of Epicetam Injection? What should I do?::: Weight gain is an uncommon side effect of Epicetam Injection. However the response may vary from person to person. To prevent weight gain you should take a healthy balanced diet avoid snacking cut down on high-calorie food items include more vegetables and fruits in your diet and exercise regularly. If you still have issues with your weight consult your doctor.| Q. How long does Epicetam Injection take to show its effect?::: Epicetam Injection may take a few weeks to start working properly since the dose is increased slowly. Your seizures may continue until Epicetam Injection starts working completely.| Q. For how long do I need to take Epicetam Injection?::: You should continue to take Epicetam Injection for as long as your doctor advises you to. Do not stop taking it suddenly because this may increase the frequency of seizures which may be difficult to control.| Q. Can I drink alcohol with Epicetam Injection?::: Yes you may drink alcohol while taking Epicetam Injection. Alcohol itself does not affect the way Epicetam Injection works. However alcohol can increase the sleepiness or dizziness that occur as side effects of Epicetam Injection in some individuals. Therefore you should avoid alcohol while taking Epicetam Injection until you know how it affects you.| Q. Will I get addicted to Epicetam Injection if I use it for a long time?::: No Epicetam Injection is not habit-forming. No physical or psychological dependence has been reported with Epicetam Injection. Consult your doctor if you experience any side effects.| Q. What symptoms can occur if someone takes an excess of Epicetam Injection?::: Taking an excess of Epicetam Injection may cause sleepiness agitation aggression a decrease of alertness inhibition of breathing and even a state of coma. In case of an overdose immediate medical care should be provided to the patient in a nearby hospital.