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 many people with focal seizures, 4–8 mg per day is the effective
long-term dose.
Everything about how it works, why it is taken at bedtime, the side
effects, and the safety warnings is identical to FYCOMPA 2 mg. Please refer to
that section for full details.
How
do I take it?
• Take ONE 4 mg tablet at BEDTIME every
night
• 4 mg is reached after 2 weeks on the
2 mg starting dose
• Stay at 4 mg for at least 2 weeks
before considering a further increase
• Many patients achieve good seizure
control at 4–8 mg/day — increases are made only if seizures persist
• Your neurologist will guide all dose
adjustments
Side
effects and safety
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
|
📔 SEIZURE DIARY |
Keeping a daily
seizure diary is very helpful for your neurologist. Record the date, time,
type, and duration of any seizures, and note any side effects. This helps
your neurologist assess how well the medicine is working and whether a dose
change is needed. |
Frequently
Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the 2 mg and 4 mg tablets?
The 4 mg tablet contains double the dose of the 2 mg. The 2 mg is only
used for starting treatment. After 2 weeks, the dose is increased to 4 mg. For
many patients, 4–8 mg per day is the effective maintenance range. The 4 mg
tablet is more convenient as a single daily tablet.
❓ I have been on 4 mg for 6 weeks and still have seizures —
should my dose be increased?
Possibly. Your neurologist will review your seizure diary and discuss
whether going up to 6 or 8 mg is appropriate. Dose increases are made slowly
every 2 weeks to minimise side effects. Whether a further increase is right for
you depends on your seizure type, other medicines, and how well you are
tolerating the current dose.
❓ Will I have to take FYCOMPA forever?
Many patients with epilepsy do need long-term treatment. Whether FYCOMPA
can eventually be withdrawn depends on seizure control. If you have been
seizure-free for 2 or more years, your neurologist may consider a very gradual
withdrawal. Any reduction must be slow and supervised — never stop without
medical guidance, as this can trigger dangerous seizures.