Description
Epifast 500mg Tablet is an anti-epileptic medicine used to treat seizures (fits) in epilepsy. It can be used alone or along with other medicines. It helps to prevent seizures for as long as you continue to take it.
Epifast 500mg Tablet suppresses the abnormal electrical activity in the brain. You can take it with or without food but try to take it at the same time each day to get the most benefit. The dose will depend on your condition and how you respond to the medicine. Your doctor will advise the right dose for you. It is generally advised as a long-term treatment. You should continue taking it for as long as your doctor has told you to, even if you feel well. If you stop or miss doses your seizures could get worse.
Some common side effects of this medicine include headache, irritation, sleepiness, behavior changes, aggressive behavior, and decreased appetite. Side effects are more common during the first few weeks and usually lessen as your body gets used to the medicine. Most of these side effects do not need medical attention, but some of them can be serious. A small number of people being treated with this medicine have had thoughts of harming or killing themselves. Contact your doctor if your mood changes for the worse.
Before taking it, you should tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, depression, or suicidal thoughts and if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor may suggest regular blood tests to monitor your kidney function while taking this medicine.
BENEFITS OF EPIFAST TABLET
In Treatment of Epilepsy/Seizures
Epifast 500mg Tablet belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants (or anti-epileptics). It works by slowing down electrical signals in the brain which cause seizures (fits). This medicine can be used to control various types of seizures—myoclonic, partial-onset, and primary generalized tonic-clonic (or grand mal). It can also help reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety. The medicine can allow you to do some activities that you would otherwise be forbidden or scared to do (such as swimming and driving). It can take a few weeks for this medicine to work (because the dose has to be increased slowly) and during this time you may still have seizures. You should continue taking it even if you feel well and are not having any seizures. Missing doses may trigger a seizure. Do not stop using this medicine until your doctor advises you.
SIDE EFFECTS OF EPIFAST TABLET
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Epifast
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Decreased appetite
- Behavioral changes
- Aggressive behavior
- Irritation
- Agitation
- Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
- Infection
- Convulsion
- Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages)
- Nausea
- Tremors
- Vertigo
- Lethargy
HOW TO USE EPIFAST TABLET
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Epifast 500mg Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
HOW EPIFAST TABLET WORKS
Epifast 500mg Tablet is an antiepileptic medication. It works by attaching to specific sites (SV2A) on the surfaces of nerve cells. This suppresses the abnormal activity of the nerve cells in the brain and prevents the spread of electrical signals that cause seizures.
SAFETY ADVICE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Epifast 500mg Tablet.
Pregnancy
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Epifast 500mg Tablet is safe to use during pregnancy. Most studies have shown low or no risk to the developing baby.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Epifast 500mg Tablet is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
Monitor the baby for sleepiness and adequate weight gain.
Epifast 500mg Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Epifast 500mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Epifast 500mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Epifast 500mg Tablet is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Epifast 500mg Tablet may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
However, a lower dose may be advised in patients with severe liver disease.
WHAT IF YOU FORGET TO TAKE EPIFAST TABLET?
If you miss a dose of Epifast 500mg Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
FAQs
Q. Can the use of Epifast 500mg Tablet cause sleepiness?
Yes, Epifast 500mg Tablet can make you feel sleepy. Therefore, during the initial phase of treatment, avoid driving, operating machinery, working at heights, or participating in potentially dangerous activities until you know how this medicine affects you.
Q. Will the use of Epifast 500mg Tablet affect my fertility?
Epifast 500mg Tablet is not known to affect fertility in males or females. However, talk to your doctor if you are facing fertility issues during the treatment with this medicine.
Q. I have gained weight since I started taking Epifast 500mg Tablet. Is it because of Epifast 500mg Tablet? What should I do?
Weight gain is an uncommon side effect of Epifast 500mg Tablet. However, the response may vary from person to person. To prevent weight gain you should take a healthy balanced diet, avoid snacking, cut down on high-calorie food items, include more vegetables and fruits in your diet, and exercise regularly. If you still have issues with your weight, consult your doctor.
Q. How long does Epifast 500mg Tablet take to show its effect?
Epifast 500mg Tablet may take a few weeks to start working properly since the dose is increased slowly. Your seizures may continue until Epifast 500mg Tablet starts working completely.
Q. For how long do I need to take Epifast 500mg Tablet?
You should continue to take Epifast 500mg Tablet for as long as your doctor advises you to. Do not stop taking it suddenly because this may increase the frequency of seizures which may be difficult to control.
Q. Will I get addicted to Epifast 500mg Tablet if I use it for a long time?
No, Epifast 500mg Tablet is not habit-forming. No physical or psychological dependence has been reported with Epifast 500mg Tablet. Consult your doctor if you experience any side effects.
Q. What symptoms can occur if someone takes an excess of Epifast 500mg Tablet?
Taking an excess of Epifast 500mg Tablet may cause sleepiness, agitation, aggression, a decrease of alertness, inhibition of breathing, and even a state of coma. In case of an overdose, immediate medical care should be provided to the patient in a nearby hospital.
Q. How do I come off Epifast 500mg Tablet?
The dose of Epifast 500mg Tablet should be slowly reduced. You may have to take this medicine for a few months before you can stop it completely. Do not reduce the dose without asking your doctor. Inform your doctor if you get a serious side effect, such as a severe skin reaction. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking Epifast 500mg Tablet straight away, even if you have epilepsy.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.