Briviact (brivaracetam) is a prescription anti-seizure medication used to treat partial-onset (focal) seizures in patients 1 month of age and older. It's made by UCB and was approved by the FDA in 2016.

What Is Briviact?

Briviact is the brand name for brivaracetam, an anticonvulsant (anti-epileptic drug, or AED) that belongs to a class of medications known as SV2A ligands. It's a chemical relative of Levetiracetam (Keppra), one of the most widely prescribed seizure medications in the world — but with a different side effect profile that many patients and doctors prefer.

Key facts:

• Generic name: Brivaracetam
• Brand name: Briviact
• Drug class: Anticonvulsant, SV2A ligand
• Manufacturer: UCB, Inc.
• FDA approval: 2016
• DEA schedule: Schedule V (lowest level of controlled substance)

What Is Briviact Used For?

Briviact is FDA-approved for one primary use:

• Adjunctive therapy for partial-onset (focal) seizures in patients 1 month of age and older

"Adjunctive therapy" means Briviact is typically used alongside other seizure medications — not as the only treatment. However, some patients are eventually maintained on Briviact alone if it controls their seizures well.

Some doctors also prescribe Briviact off-label for:

• Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (limited evidence)
• Myoclonic seizures
• Patients switching from Levetiracetam due to behavioral side effects

How Is Briviact Taken?

Briviact comes in three formulations:

• Oral tablets: 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg
• Oral solution: 10 mg/mL (for patients who can't swallow tablets)
• IV injection: 10 mg/mL (for hospital use when oral isn't possible, limited to 4 consecutive days)

The typical dose range is 50 mg to 200 mg per day, taken as two doses (25 mg to 100 mg twice daily). Your doctor will determine the right dose based on your seizures, other medications, and how you respond.

Briviact can be taken with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole.

Who Should Not Take Briviact?

You should not take Briviact if you have a known hypersensitivity (allergy) to brivaracetam or any of its inactive ingredients.

Special caution is needed for:

• Liver disease: Patients with any stage of hepatic impairment need lower doses (maximum 75 mg twice daily)
• Pregnancy: Limited safety data. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor. Do not stop seizure medication without medical guidance.
• Breastfeeding: Brivaracetam passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the risks.
• Depression or suicidal thoughts: All anti-seizure medications carry an FDA warning about increased suicide risk. Report any mood changes to your doctor immediately.

For detailed side effect information, see: Briviact Side Effects: What to Expect.

How Much Does Briviact Cost?

Without insurance or discount programs, Briviact costs approximately:

• $1,200–$2,000 per month for brand-name tablets
• $640+ for the oral solution (50 mL)

However, most patients don't pay the full cash price:

• The UCB Savings Card can reduce copays to as little as $10/prescription for commercially insured patients
• UCB Patient Assistance Program provides Briviact free to qualifying uninsured patients
• Generic brivaracetam oral solution (Lupin) was approved in February 2026; generic tablets are expected to bring prices down to $200–$600/month when widely available

For a complete savings guide, see: How to Save Money on Briviact.

Is Briviact Hard to Find?

Yes — Briviact has a findability score of about 55 out of 100. Many chain pharmacies don't routinely stock it because of low demand and its controlled substance classification. It's not in an official FDA shortage, but you may need to check multiple pharmacies or use Medfinder to find one that has it available.

For tips, see: How to Check If a Pharmacy Has Briviact in Stock.

Final Thoughts

Briviact is a well-regarded anti-seizure medication that offers an alternative to Levetiracetam with generally fewer behavioral side effects. It's effective for focal seizures and approved for a wide age range. The main challenges are cost and pharmacy availability — but savings programs and emerging generics are helping address both.

If you're considering Briviact, start by talking to your neurologist. And if you want to understand the science behind it, read: How Does Briviact Work?