Drug interactions
Brivaracetam + Primidone
Severity: Moderate
Brivaracetam and Primidone: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Primidone is metabolized to phenobarbital and causes sedation, so it can add to brivaracetam's drowsiness. Primidone's enzyme-inducing effect may also modestly reduce brivaracetam exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Brivaracetam and Primidone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Brivaracetam belongs to Central Nervous System; Primidone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression, plus enzyme induction by primidone and phenobarbital (including CYP2C19) that increases brivaracetam clearance.
What to do
Monitor sedation and seizure control, and raise the brivaracetam dose if the response is inadequate. Reassess when primidone is started or stopped.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Brivaracetam
Other interactions of Primidone
- Lorlatinib + Primidone Contraindicated
- Lurasidone + Primidone Contraindicated
- Primidone + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Primidone + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir Contraindicated
- Primidone + Voriconazole Contraindicated
- Abiraterone + Primidone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Brivaracetam with Primidone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Brivaracetam and Primidone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Primidone is metabolized to phenobarbital and causes sedation, so it can add to brivaracetam's drowsiness. Primidone's enzyme-inducing effect may also modestly reduce brivaracetam exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Brivaracetam and Primidone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor sedation and seizure control, and raise the brivaracetam dose if the response is inadequate. Reassess when primidone is started or stopped.
What other medicines interact with Brivaracetam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Brivaracetam with, for example, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen, Sodium oxybate, Acetaminophen / phenyltoloxamine. The full list is on the Brivaracetam page.
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