Perampanel belongs to the class of medications called anti-epileptic agents. It is used in combination with other medications to treat partial-onset seizures for people aged 7 years and older. It is also used in combination with other medications to treat primary-generalized tonic-clonic seizures for people aged 12 years and older. It is not clear exactly how this medication works to help reduce seizures.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The most appropriate dose of perampanel is one that provides good control of seizures without causing side effects that are too severe.

The recommended starting dose for adults and children is 2 mg or 4 mg once daily at bedtime, depending on whether you are taking certain anti-epileptic medications, including phenytoin, carbamazepine, or oxcarbamazepine. The dose of perampanel can be gradually increased to a maximum dose of 12 mg per day until satisfactory seizure control is seen or side effects become intolerable.

Perampanel tablets may be taken with food or on an empty stomach.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Contact your doctor if you miss more than one day of medication.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

2 mg
Each round, orange, film-coated tablet, debossed with "2" on one side and plain on the other, contains 2 mg of perampanel (as perampanel ¾ hydrate). Nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, povidone, magnesium stearate; coating: hypromellose, titanium dioxide, talc, iron oxide yellow, and iron oxide red.

4 mg
Each round, red, film-coated tablet, debossed "T 4" on one side and plain on the other, contains 4 mg of perampanel (as perampanel ¾ hydrate). Nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, povidone, magnesium stearate; coating: hypromellose, titanium dioxide, talc, and iron oxide red.

6 mg
Each round, pink, film-coated tablet, debossed with "T 6" on one side and plain on the other, contains 6 mg of perampanel (as perampanel ¾ hydrate). Nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, povidone, magnesium stearate; coating: hypromellose, titanium dioxide, talc, and iron oxide red.

8 mg
Each round, dark pink, film-coated tablet, debossed with "T 8" on one side and plain on the other, contains 8 mg of perampanel (as perampanel ¾ hydrate). Nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, povidone, magnesium stearate; coating: hypromellose, titanium dioxide, talc, iron oxide red, FD&C Blue #2, and FD&C Red #40.

10 mg
Each round, green, film-coated tablet, debossed with "T 10" on one side and plain on the other, contains 10 mg of perampanel (as perampanel ¾ hydrate). Nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, povidone, magnesium stearate; coating: hypromellose, titanium dioxide, talc, iron oxide yellow, and FD&C Blue #2.

12 mg
Each round, blue, filmcoated tablet, debossed with "T 12" on one side and plain on the other, contains 12 mg of perampanel (as perampanel ¾ hydrate). Nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, povidone, magnesium stearate; coating: hypromellose, titanium dioxide, talc, and FD&C Blue #2.

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to perampanel or any ingredients of the medication.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• constipation
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• falls
• headache
• irritability
• joint pain
• lack of energy
• muscle aches and pains
• nausea
• sense of spinning
• sleepiness
• tiredness
• weakness
• weight gain
• vision changes
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• extreme sleepiness or tiredness
• flu-like symptoms (sudden lack of energy, fever, cough, sore throat)
• mood or mental changes (e.g., anxiety, restlessness, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, being suspicious or mistrustful, impulsive behavior, increased sociability, or increased talking)
• problems with muscle coordination
• problems with walking normally
• signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, severe hives, or swelling of the face and throat)
• signs of severe skin reactions (e.g., blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort)
• thoughts of suicide or self-harm

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• constipation
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• falls
• headache
• irritability
• joint pain
• lack of energy
• muscle aches and pains
• nausea
• sense of spinning
• sleepiness
• tiredness
• weakness
• weight gain
• vision changes
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• extreme sleepiness or tiredness
• flu-like symptoms (sudden lack of energy, fever, cough, sore throat)
• mood or mental changes (e.g., anxiety, restlessness, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, being suspicious or mistrustful, impulsive behavior, increased sociability, or increased talking)
• problems with muscle coordination
• problems with walking normally
• signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, severe hives, or swelling of the face and throat)
• signs of severe skin reactions (e.g., blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort)
• thoughts of suicide or self-harm

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

For a full list of interactions, use the Drug Interaction Checker available on the Drugs.com website.

If you are taking other medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.