Epilock Injection 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.
Epilock Injection is given as an infusion (slow drip) into a vein under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is generally used for short-term control of seizures when treatment with oral medication is not feasible (eg. when the patient is unconscious). 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. Your doctor is likely to prescribe you oral medicines for long-term seizure control, after treatment with this injection has been completed.
Some common side effects of this medicine include dizziness, headache, infection, irritation, nasopharyngitis, sleepiness, aggressive behavior, and decreased appetite. You may also experience behavioral changes, aggressive behavior, irritation, agitation, etc. Side effects are more common during the first few days 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. Let your doctor know right away if you have developed an allergic reaction (hives, itching, weakness, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, or swelling of face, tongue, and throat), a skin rash, or persistent behavioral changes like confusion, forgetfulness, feeling irritable, increased aggression or hostility. There may be ways of preventing or reducing them. 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.
Earlier taking it, you should tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, depression or suicidal thoughts and if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine, as it may increase the risk of seizures and worsen the side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. Drowsiness and dizziness may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Your kidney function may need to be tested periodically while taking this medicine.
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Compassionately do not self administer.
Side Effects:
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 youβre worried about them
Ordinary side effects of Epilock
Sleepiness
Dizziness
Decreased appetite
Chubbyigue
Headache
Behavioral changes
Irritation
Aggressive behavior
Agitation
Infection
Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages)
Warning & Precautions:
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Epilock Injection. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
The safety of Epilock Injection during pregnancy has not been established. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, and animal data on reproductive toxicity are insufficient. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Epilock Injection may be unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby. It should be used only if the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk. Please consult your doctor. Monitor the baby for sleepiness and adequate weight gain.
Driving
UNSAFE
Epilock Injection may decrease alertness, affect your vision, or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
CAUTION
Epilock Injection should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment may be needed.
Liver
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Epilock Injection is safe to use in patients with liver disease. No dose adjustment is recommended. However, a lower dose may be advised in patients with severe liver disease.
FAQs:
Will the use of Epilock Injection affect my fertility?
Epilock Injection 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.
Can the use of Epilock Injection cause sleepiness?
Affirmative, Epilock Injection 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.
I have gained weight since I started taking Epilock Injection. Is it because of Epilock Injection? What should I do?
Weight gain is an uncommon side effect of Epilock Injection. 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.
How long does Epilock Injection take to show its effect?
Epilock Injection may take a few weeks to start working properly since the dose is increased slowly. Your seizures may continue until Epilock Injection starts working completely.
For how long do I need to take Epilock Injection?
You should continue to take Epilock Injection 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.
Can I drink alcohol with Epilock Injection?
Affirmative, you may drink alcohol while taking Epilock Injection. Alcohol itself does not affect the way Epilock Injection works. However, alcohol can increase the sleepiness or dizziness that occur as side effects of Epilock Injection in some individuals. Therefore, you should avoid alcohol while taking Epilock Injection until you know how it affects you.
Will I get addicted to Epilock Injection if I use it for a long time?
No, Epilock Injection is not habit-forming. No physical or psychological dependence has been reported with Epilock Injection. Consult your doctor if you experience any side effects.
What symptoms can occur if someone takes an excess of Epilock Injection?
Taking an excess of Epilock Injection 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.
Written by:
Dr. T. Sharmila Krishna
M.B.B.S., MD (Biochemistry)
Reviewed by:
Dr. Sureshbabu Yadav
M.B.B.S., DIP.DIAB, F.R.S.H
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