What
is this medicine for?
FYCOMPA is an add-on treatment for epilepsy. It works in a different way
from most other anti-epileptic medicines — by blocking glutamate receptors
(AMPA receptors) in the brain that cause over-excitement and seizures. It is
used when other anti-epileptic medicines alone have not fully controlled
seizures.
It is used for:
• Focal seizures (seizures starting in
one part of the brain), with or without spread
• Primary generalised tonic-clonic
seizures (whole-body convulsions)
• For people aged 12 and above
How
do I take it?
• Take at BEDTIME every night — this is
very important
• Taking it at bedtime means the peak
drowsiness effect happens during sleep
• 2 mg is the starting dose — your
neurologist will gradually increase it
• Dose is increased by 2 mg every 2
weeks until the right level is found for you
• Usual long-term dose: 4–8 mg for
focal seizures; 8 mg for tonic-clonic seizures
• Swallow whole with water; can be
taken with or without food
• If you miss a dose, skip it if your
next dose is within a few hours — never double up
|
⚠️ NEVER STOP SUDDENLY |
Stopping FYCOMPA
abruptly can trigger seizures or status epilepticus. Always reduce the dose
slowly and only under your neurologist's guidance. Never run out — ensure you
have enough medicine and keep your prescription up to date. |
What
side effects might I notice?
Very common:
• Dizziness — particularly during dose
escalation; bedtime dosing reduces daytime impact
• Drowsiness and fatigue
• Irritability — one of the most
clinically important side effects to watch for
• Falls — be careful, especially during
the first weeks
Common:
• Aggression, anger, or hostility —
tell your doctor immediately if this happens
• Anxiety, low mood, or unusual
behaviour
• Unsteady walking, blurred or double
vision
• Headache, nausea, weight gain
|
🚨 SERIOUS — REPORT
IMMEDIATELY |
FYCOMPA can cause
serious changes in mood and behaviour, including aggression, hostility, and in
rare cases, thoughts of harming others or yourself. This is a known effect of
this medicine and is NOT a personal failing. If you or your family notices
significant changes in mood or behaviour, contact your neurologist straight
away. Family members and caregivers play a vital role in noticing these
changes. |
Important
safety information
|
🚗 DRIVING |
Do not drive or
operate machinery until your neurologist confirms it is safe. FYCOMPA can
significantly affect concentration, coordination, and reaction time —
especially during dose increases. |
|
💊 CONTRACEPTION |
At the highest dose of
FYCOMPA (12 mg), it can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptive
pills. Use a reliable non-hormonal contraceptive method if you are on this
dose. Discuss with your doctor. |
|
🍺 ALCOHOL |
Avoid alcohol
completely while taking FYCOMPA. Alcohol dramatically worsens the dizziness,
sedation, and coordination problems this medicine can cause. |
Frequently
Asked Questions
❓ Why must I take FYCOMPA at bedtime?
Perampanel commonly causes dizziness and drowsiness, particularly at
first. Taking it at bedtime means these peak effects happen during sleep, so
they do not affect your daytime function. As your body adjusts during dose
increases, daytime symptoms usually reduce.
❓ My family says I seem more irritable since starting FYCOMPA —
what should I do?
Tell your neurologist immediately. Irritability and mood changes are
known effects of perampanel, particularly during dose escalation. Your dose may
need to be reduced. Do not try to manage this alone — family members and carers
play an important role in reporting these changes, as the patient may not
always notice the change in themselves.
❓ Does FYCOMPA interact with the contraceptive pill?
Yes — at the highest dose (12 mg), FYCOMPA can reduce the effectiveness
of some hormonal contraceptive pills. If you are on 12 mg FYCOMPA, discuss
alternative or additional contraception with your doctor. At lower doses, the
interaction is less significant, but using a backup method is still sensible.