Levetiracetam
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Levetiracetam
(lee ve tye ra' se tam)
(lee ve tye ra' se tam)
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Keppra
Levetiracetam is used in combination with other medications to treat certain types of seizures in people with epilepsy. Levetiracetam
is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.
Levetiracetam comes as a solution (liquid) and a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day, once in the morning
and once at night, with or without food. Try to take levetiracetam at around the same times every day. Follow the directions
on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take levetiracetam
exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
If you are taking the oral solution, do not use a household spoon to measure your dose. You might not get the right amount
of medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a medicine dropper, spoon, cup, or syringe and to show you how to
use it to measure your medication.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of levetiracetam and gradually increase your dose, not more often than once every
2 weeks.
Levetiracetam controls epilepsy but does not cure it. Continue to take levetiracetam even if you feel well. Do not stop taking
levetiracetam without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking levetiracetam, your seizures may become worse. Your
doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.
Levetiracetam may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- drowsiness
- weakness
- unsteady walking
- coordination problems
- headache
- pain
- forgetfulness
- anxiety
- agitation or hostility
- dizziness
- moodiness
- nervousness
- numbness, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
- loss of appetite
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- changes in skin color
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- depression
- hallucinating (hearing voices or seeing visions that do not exist)
- thoughts of killing yourself
- seizures that are worse or different than the seizures you had before
- fever, sore throat, and other signs of infection
- double vision
- itching
- rash
- swelling of the face
Levetiracetam may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA)
MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Before taking levetiracetam,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to levetiracetam or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking levetiracetam, call your doctor. Do not breast-feed while you are taking levetiracetam
- you should know that levetiracetam may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- you should know that your mental health may change in unexpected ways, and you may become suicidal (thinking about harming or killing yourself or planning or trying to do so) while you are taking levetiracetam for the treatment of epilepsy, mental illness, or other conditions. A small number of adults and children 5 years of age and older who took antiepileptics such as levetiracetam during clinical studies were found to be twice as likely to become suicidal than people who did not take the medication. This increased risk of suicidal behavior was seen as early as one week after starting the medication. You, your family, or your caregiver should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: anxiety, agitation, hostility, mania (frenzied, abnormally excited mood), talking or thinking about wanting to hurt yourself or end your life, withdrawing from friends and family, new or worsening depression, preoccupation with death and dying, or giving away prized possessions. Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor if you are unable to seek treatment on your own.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
If it has only been a few hours since the time you were scheduled to take the dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember
it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not
take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature
and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing,
call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- drowsiness
- agitation
- aggression
- decreased consciousness or loss of consciousness
- difficulty breathing
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines
you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list
with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with
you in case of emergencies.
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