Brivaracetam
Brivaracetam is an antiepileptic medication used as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults and children. It works by binding to synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) in the brain, although its exact anticonvulsant mechanism is not fully understood.
Brivaracetam is an anticonvulsant medication used to help control partial-onset seizures by targeting SV2A proteins in the brain.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N03AX23
- RxNorm
- 1739745
- Generic
- Brivaracetam
- Class
- atc-n03
- Brands
- Briviact
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- injection, tablet, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimestercontinue if already taking, otherwise avoid initiating
use only if benefits to mother outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal care and fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimestercontinue current dose if needed for seizure control
do not discontinue abruptly as status epilepticus may harm fetus
routine prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimestercontinue if needed, do not stop abruptly
discuss delivery plan with neurologist
fetal monitoring during labor
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
not applicableno adjustment needed
breastfeeding should be discontinued or avoided
monitor infant for excessive drowsiness
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 4 to 16 yearsweight-based dosing required
approved for partial-onset seizures in patients 4 years and older
monitor for behavioral changes and sedation
geriatric
65 years and olderno specific adjustment for normal renal/hepatic function
use standard adult dosing
monitor renal function
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentno dose reduction needed
use with caution due to metabolites
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentdose reduction recommended
reduce dose by 50%
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval date for Brivaracetam (Briviact)
Drug class
ATC classification for Brivaracetam
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication for Brivaracetam
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism of Brivaracetam
Brivaracetam is used as adjunctive (add-on) therapy for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults and children aged 1 month and older with epilepsy.
Brivaracetam binds with high selectivity to synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) in the brain. While the precise anticonvulsant mechanism is not fully established, this interaction is believed to contribute to its seizure-controlling effects.
Brivaracetam may cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and fatigue. Patients should avoid driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them. Always follow prescribed dosing and do not stop taking brivaracetam without consulting a healthcare provider, as sudden discontinuation may increase seizure frequency.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy