Levetiracetam
Description
Levetiracetam is a medicine used in the treatment of epilepsy (a condition in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed that affects the brain, causing fits). It works by reducing the abnormal excitation of brain cells and helps in preventing seizures (fits).
Levetiracetam may cause common side effects such as dizziness, sleepiness, headache, diarrhoea, indigestion, tiredness, etc. Consult your doctor if these symptoms stay for a long time or if they become severe.
Levetiracetam is available in oral forms (tablets, dispersible tablets, extended-release tablets, and syrups) and injection. For oral forms, it should be taken exactly as advised by your doctor. Take it at the same time every day for the ease of remembering. Do not skip doses or discontinue the treatment as it may worsen your condition. Your doctor may suggest gradual dose reduction over a period. Levetiracetam injections are administered by a qualified healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic.
Levetiracetam should be avoided if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if you have kidney or heart problems before taking this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines before starting the treatment to avoid any undesired effects. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding consult your doctor before taking this medication.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Levetiracetam
- Common Cold
- Sleepiness
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Dizziness
- Lack of energy
- Cough
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Rash
- Tiredness
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Mood swings
- Vision disturbances
- Increased liver enzyme levels
- Hair loss
- Muscle pain
Uses of Levetiracetam
What is it prescribed for?
- Epilepsy
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe time taken for Levetiracetam to show its effect is not clinically known.
- Duration of effectThe effect of Levetiracetam lasts for an average duration of 2 days.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with Levetiracetam due to the increased risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty in concentration, etc. Avoid activities that require mental alertness if you experience these symptoms after taking Levetiracetam.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies have been reported with Levetiracetam.
- Usage in pregnancy?Levetiracetam should not be used during pregnancy unless necessary. Hence, if you are pregnant consult your doctor to understand the potential risk and benefits before taking the medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Levetiracetam is not recommended while breastfeeding as it passes into the breastmilk. Hence, consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Allergy
Avoid taking Levetiracetam if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Levetiracetam should not be used during pregnancy unless necessary. Hence, if you are pregnant consult your doctor to understand the potential risk and benefits before taking the medicine.
Breast-feeding
Levetiracetam is not recommended while breastfeeding as it passes into the breastmilk. Hence, consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
General warnings
Suicidal tendency
Levetiracetam should be used with caution due to the increased risk of suicidal thoughts. Close observation for any change in mood or behaviour is necessary while taking Levetiracetam. Report any mood changes to your doctor immediately.
Low blood cell count
Levetiracetam may cause a decrease in blood cell count. Hence your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your blood cell count while you are taking this medicine. Inform your doctor if you experience fever and/or recurrent infections.
Driving and operating machines
Levetiracetam may increase your risk of dizziness and sleepiness. Avoid performing activities such as driving vehicles or operating machines if you experience these symptoms after taking this medicine.
QT interval prolongation
Levetiracetam may increase the risk of QT interval prolongation, a heart condition with an irregular heartbeat. Hence, this medicine should be used with caution if you have conditions such as QT interval prolongation or other pre-existing heart problems.
Missed Dose
Oral forms: Try not to skip a dose of Levetiracetam. If you miss a dose, take the medicine as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double the dose to compensate for a missed one.
Injection: Since Levetiracetam is administered by a qualified healthcare professional in a clinic/hospital setting, the likelihood of a missed dose is very low.
Overdose
Oral forms: Do not take more than the prescribed dose. Contact your doctor in case of an overdose with Levetiracetam.
Injection: Since Levetiracetam is administered in the hospital or clinical setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very low.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with Levetiracetam due to the increased risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty in concentration, etc. Avoid activities that require mental alertness if you experience these symptoms after taking Levetiracetam.
Interaction with Medicine
Cetirizine
Nortriptyline
Alprazolam
Tramadol
Carbamazepine
Hydroxyzine
Fluoxetine
Disease interactions
Kidney impairment
Levetiracetam should be used with caution if you have pre-existing kidney problems due to the increased risk of severe side effects. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your kidney function and may recommend dose adjustments based on your condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Oral forms: Take Levetiracetam with or without food. Do not take more or less than the prescribed dose. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Injection: Levetiracetam is administered by a qualified healthcare professional in a clinic or hospital setting. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor.
If you experience any reactions (redness/pain/swelling) at the site of injection, inform your doctor immediately.
Levetiracetam may increase your risk of suicidal thoughts. Consult your doctor if you experience any changes in mood or behaviour.
Levetiracetam may alter your blood cell count and liver enzyme levels. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your blood cell count and liver enzyme levels during treatment with this medicine.
Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Levetiracetam as it may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Avoid driving vehicles or operating machines if you experience symptoms that may affect your alertness after taking Levetiracetam.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Levetiracetam works by inhibiting the abnormal excitation of brain cells and helps in preventing seizures (fits).
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Anticonvulsants, Anti-epileptics
Schedule
Schedule H
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Levetiracetam 500 mg film-coated tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 14 September 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Keppra 100 mg/ml oral solution - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 14 September 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Keppra 100 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 14 September 2021].
Drugs, H., 2021. Levetiracetam: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 14 September 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 14 September 2021].
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 14 September 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 27 Oct 2021
Disclaimer
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