Perampanel information sheet

It must be prescribed by a doctor. You should never give your child anyone else’s medications. 

Your doctor will check and make sure that other drugs your child is taking are compatible with Perampanel. This is also important if you are giving your child herbal or complementary medicines.  

Some medications that affect the liver, such as Carbamazepine (Tegretol) will affect how the body processes Perampanel and if your child is taking these, the dose may need to be adjusted. 

Grapefruit juice and St John’s Wort will also affect the way Perampanel is processed by the liver and should be avoided while your child is taking Perampanel. 

• If your child vomits less than 15 minutes after receiving medication, the dose may be repeated.
• If your child vomits more than 15 minutes after receiving medication, you do not need to give them another dose. Wait until the next scheduled dose is due.

• If a dose is missed, give it within 4 hours. 
• If it has been more than 4 hours after the usual time, do not give the missed dose. Just give the dose at the next scheduled time.
• Do not double any doses. 

• Store below 30 degrees Celsius 

• Store in Original Container 

• Shelf lifetime is 5 Years. 

Always follow the instructions of your doctor and pharmacist.  

Sourced from Healthdirect 

Below are some of the possible side effects your child may experience: 

• Dizziness 

• Sleepiness/tiredness 

• Behavioural change - irritability, aggression 

• Nausea/vomiting 

• Weight gain 

• Vertigo (sense of spinning) 

• Unsteady walking or problems with balance 

• Headache 

• Abdominal pain 

• Anxiety 

Serious side effects (seek immediate medical help): 

• Severe behavioural/psychiatric side effects - there are reports of increased aggression and irritability in patients taking Perampanel including physical assault and homicidal threats which have occurred in patients without any previous history of such behaviour. 

• Suicidal ideation (approximately 1 in 500). 

• If you notice unusual changes in mood, personality or behaviour in your child then you should contact your doctor immediately as the dose of Perampanel may need to be reduced or stopped. 

Pregnancy and contraception 

• At higher doses Perampanel decreases the effect of the oral contraceptive pill, so you should tell your doctor if your child is taking the contraceptive pill so the dose can be adjusted or alternative forms of contraception considered. 

• As it is one of the newest anti-seizure medications there is currently little data on the safety of Perampanel during pregnancy. 

• If a pregnancy is planned, a discussion with your neurologist is recommended. For further information, refer to the reproductive health section.

The information provided in this resource is limited and does not replace the need for a medical consultation. It is very important you speak to your doctor about all aspects of your medication including side effects when medication is first prescribed. Report any concerns to your doctor promptly.