Levetiracetam (patient information)
Why this medication is prescribed
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.
How this medication should be used
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.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Special precautions
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 breastfeed 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.
Special dietary instructions
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What to do if you forget a dose
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.
Side effects
Minor side effects
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
Severe side effects
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/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Storage conditions needed for this medication
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 emergency/overdose
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
Other information
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.
Brand names
- Keppra®