What is Brivaracetam: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Brivaracetam is a prescription anti-seizure medication that helps control epileptic seizures when given through an IV. It's part of a newer generation of seizure medicines that work by calming overactive brain cells that cause seizures.

This medication is typically used in hospital settings when you can't take seizure medicine by mouth. Your healthcare team will monitor you closely while you receive this treatment to ensure it works safely and effectively for your specific needs.

What is Brivaracetam?

Brivaracetam is an anti-epileptic drug that belongs to a class of medications called pyrrolidone derivatives. It works by binding to specific proteins in your brain cells that help control electrical activity.

The intravenous form delivers the medication directly into your bloodstream through a vein. This allows for faster action compared to oral medications, which is especially important during seizure emergencies or when you can't swallow pills.

Unlike some older seizure medications, brivaracetam is considered a newer, more targeted treatment. It was specifically designed to work on brain receptors involved in seizure activity while causing fewer interactions with other medications.

What is Brivaracetam Used For?

Brivaracetam IV is primarily used to treat focal seizures, also called partial seizures, in adults and children over 16 years old. These seizures start in one specific area of the brain rather than affecting the whole brain at once.

Your doctor might choose the IV form when you're in the hospital and can't take oral medications. This could happen if you're having frequent seizures, experiencing nausea and vomiting, or if you're unconscious or unable to swallow safely.

The medication is also used as a temporary substitute when you normally take brivaracetam tablets or oral solution but need to continue treatment while hospitalized. This helps maintain steady levels of the medication in your system without interruption.

How Does Brivaracetam Work?

Brivaracetam works by attaching to a protein called SV2A in your brain cells. Think of SV2A as a gatekeeper that helps control how brain cells communicate with each other through electrical signals.

When seizures occur, brain cells become overexcited and send too many electrical signals. Brivaracetam helps calm this overactivity by making it harder for these excessive signals to spread from one brain cell to another.

This medication is considered moderately strong in terms of seizure control. It's not the strongest anti-seizure drug available, but it's effective for many people and tends to cause fewer side effects than some older seizure medications.

How Should I Take Brivaracetam?

Brivaracetam IV is always given by trained healthcare professionals in a hospital or clinical setting. You don't need to worry about administering this medication yourself.

The medication is typically given as a slow injection into your vein over 2 to 15 minutes. Your nurse will use a small IV catheter, similar to what's used for other hospital treatments, to deliver the medication safely.

You don't need to eat or avoid food before receiving brivaracetam IV. However, if you're switching from oral brivaracetam, your healthcare team will coordinate the timing to ensure there's no gap in your treatment.

Your medical team will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and overall response during and after the injection. They'll also watch for any immediate side effects or allergic reactions.

How Long Should I Take Brivaracetam For?

The duration of brivaracetam IV treatment depends on your specific medical situation and how long you need to stay in the hospital. Some people receive it for just a day or two, while others might need it for several days or weeks.

Your doctor will typically switch you back to oral seizure medications as soon as you're able to swallow safely and keep food down. This transition usually happens gradually to maintain steady medication levels in your system.

If you were taking brivaracetam tablets before your hospitalization, you'll likely resume your regular oral dose once you're discharged. Your healthcare team will provide clear instructions about when and how to make this switch.

What Are the Side Effects of Brivaracetam?

Like all medications, brivaracetam can cause side effects, though many people tolerate it well. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared and know when to alert your healthcare team.

The most common side effects you might experience include drowsiness, dizziness, and feeling tired or weak. These effects are usually mild and often improve as your body adjusts to the medication.

Here are the more frequent side effects that some people experience:

• Drowsiness or feeling sleepy during the day
• Dizziness, especially when standing up quickly
• Headache that may feel similar to tension headaches
• Nausea or mild stomach upset
• Feeling irritable or having mood changes
• Fatigue or low energy levels
• Problems with coordination or balance

Most of these side effects are temporary and manageable. Your healthcare team can help you find ways to minimize any discomfort while you receive treatment.

Some people may experience less common but more concerning side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include severe mood changes, thoughts of self-harm, severe allergic reactions, or unusual changes in behavior.

Here are the rarer but more serious side effects to watch for:

• Severe depression or thoughts of hurting yourself
• Extreme agitation or aggressive behavior
• Severe allergic reactions with rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Severe confusion or memory problems
• Hallucinations or seeing things that aren't there

If you experience any of these serious side effects, your medical team will address them immediately. Remember that serious side effects are uncommon, and the benefits of seizure control typically outweigh these risks.

Who Should Not Take Brivaracetam?

Brivaracetam isn't suitable for everyone, and your doctor will carefully review your medical history before prescribing it. The main concern is if you've had an allergic reaction to brivaracetam or similar medications in the past.

People with severe liver disease may need dose adjustments or might not be good candidates for this medication. Your liver processes brivaracetam, so if your liver isn't working well, the medication could build up to unsafe levels in your system.

If you have a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or other serious mental health conditions, your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks carefully. Anti-seizure medications can sometimes worsen mood problems in certain individuals.

Pregnant women should discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare team. While controlling seizures during pregnancy is crucial, all medications carry some level of risk that needs to be carefully considered.

Brivaracetam Brand Names

Brivaracetam is sold under the brand name Briviact in most countries, including the United States. This is the most common name you'll see on prescription labels and medical documentation.

In some regions, you might encounter different brand names, but the active ingredient remains the same. Your pharmacist or healthcare provider can confirm that you're receiving the correct medication regardless of the brand name used.

Generic versions of brivaracetam may become available in the future, but currently, most brivaracetam is dispensed under the Briviact brand name.

Brivaracetam Alternatives

If brivaracetam isn't the right choice for you, several other anti-seizure medications are available in IV form. Your doctor might consider levetiracetam (Keppra), which works similarly but has a slightly different side effect profile.

Other IV seizure medications include valproic acid, phenytoin, and lacosamide. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, and your doctor will choose based on your specific type of seizures, medical history, and other factors.

The choice of alternative depends on many factors, including how well you've responded to other seizure medications in the past, your age, other medical conditions, and potential drug interactions.

Is Brivaracetam Better Than Levetiracetam?

Brivaracetam and levetiracetam are both effective seizure medications, but they work slightly differently and may suit different people better. Both are considered good options for treating focal seizures.

Some people find brivaracetam causes fewer mood side effects compared to levetiracetam. If you've experienced irritability, mood swings, or aggressive behavior with levetiracetam, brivaracetam might be a better choice for you.

However, levetiracetam has been available longer and is often less expensive. It's also approved for more types of seizures, including generalized seizures that affect the whole brain.

Your doctor will consider your individual response to medications, insurance coverage, and specific seizure type when deciding which medication works best for your situation.