Levetiracetam (By mouth)
lee-va-tye-RA-se-tam
Treats seizures.
Drug classes
Anticonvulsant (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Levetiracetam is used to help control certain types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. This medicine cannot cure epilepsy and will only work to control seizures for as long as you continue to use it.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Liquid, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Take your medicine at the same time each day.
Keppra® regular-release and Keprra® extended-release tablets: Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
Spritam® tablets: Do not open the blister pack until you are ready to take a tablet. Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the tablet. Peel back the foil to remove the tablet. Do not push it through the foil. Place the tablet on your tongue and take a sip of water. After the tablet has melted, swallow it.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to levetiracetam.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or high blood pressure.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Decreased numbers of blood cells, including anemia Serious skin reactions High blood pressureThis medicine may cause depression, thoughts of suicide, or changes in mood or behavior. Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or mental health problems.
This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or clumsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely. Your seizures may return or occur more often if you stop using this medicine suddenly.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Extreme sleepiness, tiredness, or weakness
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
Problems with balance, coordination, or walking
Unusual changes in mood or behavior, depression, thoughts of hurting yourself
Unusual bleeding or bruising
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Decreased appetite, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
Stuffy or runny nose
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Keppra, Keppra XR
There may be other brand names for this medicine.