Pronunciation: LEE-va-tye-RA-se-tam
Generic Name: Levetiracetam
Brand Name: Keppra
Levetiracetam is used for:
Treating partial-onset, myoclonic, or generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients with epilepsy. It is used in combination with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant. Exactly how it works is not known, but it may work by slowing abnormal nerve impulses in the brain.
Do NOT use Levetiracetam if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Levetiracetam
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Levetiracetam:
Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have kidney problems or you are on dialysis
- if you have a history of mental or mood problems (eg, depression), or suicidal thoughts or actions
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Levetiracetam. However, no specific interactions with Levetiracetam are known at this time.
Ask your health care provider if Levetiracetam may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Levetiracetam:
Use Levetiracetam as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Levetiracetam comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Levetiracetam refilled.
- Take Levetiracetam by mouth with or without food.
- Swallow Levetiracetam whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
- Levetiracetam works best if it is taken at the same time(s) each day.
- Continue to take Levetiracetam even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
- If you miss a dose of Levetiracetam, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Levetiracetam.
Important safety information:
- Levetiracetam may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Levetiracetam with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Do not suddenly stop taking Levetiracetam or your other seizure medicines. You may have an increased risk of side effects (eg, seizures). If you need to stop Levetiracetam or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose.
- Contact your health care provider if your seizures become worse or if you have a new type of seizure.
- Patients who take Levetiracetam may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. The risk may be greater in patients who have had suicidal thoughts or actions in the past. Watch patients who take Levetiracetam closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual changes in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
- Lab tests, including kidney function, may be performed while you use Levetiracetam. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Levetiracetam with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
- Levetiracetam should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 4 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- Caution is advised when using Levetiracetam in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially weakness and mood or behavior changes.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Levetiracetam while you are pregnant. Levetiracetam is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Levetiracetam.
Possible side effects of Levetiracetam:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Dizziness; drowsiness; irritability; runny nose; sore throat; tiredness; vomiting; weakness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal thoughts; dark urine; decreased coordination; extreme drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, or weakness; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; hallucinations; memory loss; mouth sores; new or worsening mental, mood, or behavior changes (eg, aggression, agitation, anger, anxiety, apathy, depression, hostility, irritability, panic attacks, restlessness); new or worsening seizures; suicidal thoughts or attempts; trouble sleeping; unusual bruising or bleeding; vision changes; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Levetiracetam side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include aggression; agitation; difficult or slow breathing; loss of consciousness; severe drowsiness.
Proper storage of Levetiracetam:
Store Levetiracetam at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Levetiracetam out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Levetiracetam, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Levetiracetam is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Levetiracetam. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Levetiracetam resources
- Levetiracetam Side Effects (in more detail)
- Levetiracetam Dosage
- Levetiracetam Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Levetiracetam Drug Interactions
- Levetiracetam Support Group
- 101 Reviews for Levetiracetam - Add your own review/rating
Compare Levetiracetam with other medications
- Bipolar Disorder
- Epilepsy
- Hyperekplexia
- Neuralgia
- New Daily Persistent Headache
- Seizures
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