Levetiracetam (By injection)

lee-va-tye-RA-se-tam

Treats seizures.

Drug classes

Anticonvulsant (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Levetiracetam injection is used to help control partial onset seizures in adults and children 1 month of age and older in the treatment of epilepsy. It is also used to help treat myoclonic seizures in adults and children 12 years of age and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Levetiracetam injection is also used to help treat primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children 6 years of age and older with idiopathic generalized 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 to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

Your doctor will give you a few doses of this medicine until your condition improves, and then switch you to an oral medicine that works the same way. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.

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. You should not receive 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 a history of depression or mental illness.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Changes in mood or behavior Serious skin reactions Problems with muscle control or coordination Decreased numbers of blood cells

This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or clumsy. Do not drive or do anything else 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 too quickly.

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

Behavior changes, depression, hostility, irritability, restlessness, trouble concentrating, moodiness, or thoughts of hurting yourself

Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

Extreme sleepiness, tiredness, or weakness

Problems with balance, coordination, or walking

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Decreased appetite, diarrhea, or vomiting

Dizziness or headache

Neck pain

Stuffy or runny nose, cough, sore throat

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, Novaplus levETIRAcetam

There may be other brand names for this medicine.